INMED South Africa has been selected as one of 33 finalists in the Food Category of the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize, selected from a record 7,761 submissions representing 173 countries. The winners will be announced in January 2026 at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s pioneering global award for impact, innovation, and inspiration in sustainable development. Since its inception, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has recognised 128 winners whose groundbreaking initiatives have transformed lives across the globe. Through their collective impact, 11.4 million people now have access to safe drinking water, 54.1 million households enjoy reliable energy, 17 million people benefit from more nutritious food, and more than 1.2 million individuals have gained access to affordable healthcare.
Now, INMED South Africa’s innovative aquaponics social enterprise model joins this inspiring legacy of transformation. The organisation’s entry stood out for its pioneering approach that integrates plug-and-play aquaponics units for schools and households, and medium to commercial-scale hubs. The model tackles food insecurity, empowers marginalised communities, and promotes climate resilience through sustainable food production and livelihoods.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a finalist for the Zayed Sustainability Prize,” said Unathi Sihlahla, Executive Director of INMED South Africa. “This recognition is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the communities we serve. It affirms our vision that aquaponics and climate-smart farming can uplift households, strengthen food security, and create dignified employment pathways for youth, women, and persons with disabilities across South Africa and beyond.”
Over the past decade, INMED South Africa has made remarkable strides in advancing food security and resilience. In the past year alone, its school and community owned aquaponics systems have produced more than 80 tons of fresh, nutritious produce, while over 1,200 participants have been equipped with skills in climate-smart agriculture, entrepreneurship, and cooperative governance through the Social Employment Fund initiative. Through partnerships with schools and communities nationwide, the organisation has also transformed food gardens into living classrooms, inspiring a new generation to embrace sustainable farming and healthy living.
“This recognition reflects the incredible partnerships that make our work possible, from local cooperatives and schools to universities, government, and private sector partners. Together, we are building resilient food systems that leave no one behind,” added Sihlahla.
Named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has become a beacon for innovative solutions that change lives across the globe.
If selected as a winner in January, INMED South Africa will proudly add to this worldwide impact by scaling its aquaponics and food security solutions for the most vulnerable communities.
Link to global announcement: – https://zayedsustainabilityprize.com/en/news/news-folder/2025-zayed-sustainability-prize-announces-2026-finalists