The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with ICLEI Africa and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), hosted the Johannesburg City–Business Collaboration Accelerator (CiBiX) workshop at the Magals Training Academy on Friday.
The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between the City and the private sector to tackle key sustainability challenges while driving inclusive economic growth, innovation, and environmental resilience.
According to Nkhensani Maluleke, Deputy Director at DED, CiBiX connects the City and businesses to co-create sustainable solutions. “Through CiBiX, we are linking urban farming with innovation, exploring how waste management, recycling, and agriculture can create new green value chains. It promotes collaboration for sustainable innovation and drives practical solutions for Joburg’s green transition.”
Maryke van Staden, Director of the carbon Climate Centre and Global Director at ICLEI, added: “Cities can’t act alone; they need strong partnerships with businesses to make the green transition possible.”
The workshop forms part of the global UrbanShift programme, supported by the Global Environment Facility and led by UNEP, ICLEI, C40 Cities, UNDP, WRI, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. The initiative promotes integrated, low-carbon urban development through stronger city–business partnerships.
Mokgadi Maphoto, Acting Deputy Director for Waste Policy & Projects at the City, said the workshop serves as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation. “Through this platform, we aim to develop practical pathways towards a resilient, circular, and inclusive green economy that creates opportunities for youth and women while strengthening Johannesburg’s sustainability journey.”
This year’s CiBiX Workshop focused on solid waste management, circular value chains, and quality public spaces. The highlight was a Business Pitching Session showcasing innovative green enterprises. Love Our City Klean (NPC) won R10,000, with The Compost Kitchen (Pty) and Khepri Innovations (Pty) each receiving R5,000 for their impactful solutions.
Written by Zingiswa Mndayi