Natalia Guida Giampietri, co-founder of the energy tech startup PayGas, has been named one of the 18 global winners of the 2025 BRICS Women-Led Startups Contest. She was chosen from over 1,000 applicants from 21 countries and will represent South Africa and Brazil at the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Annual Plenary in Rio de Janeiro this July.
The prestigious contest, which champions breakthrough entrepreneurial work by women across the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), recognizes Natalia’s game-changing model to make clean cooking fuel accessible and affordable for underserved communities.
PayGas is an energy tech startup reshaping the way low-income households access liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. In many African neighborhoods, buying a full gas cylinder is unaffordable for many families. PayGas has introduced digital refill stations that allow users to top up gas for as little as R10, dramatically increasing access to safer, cleaner cooking fuel.
This innovation eliminates the need to wait until families can afford a full bottle a barrier that often forces the use of harmful fuels like charcoal or paraffin, both of which pose major health and safety risks.
“Every refill makes a difference,” said Natalia in a recent pitch video showcasing the impact of PayGas. “We’re not just delivering gas. We’re delivering dignity, health and safety one household at a time.”
PayGas stations operate like ATMs for LPG. Customers bring their cylinders, top them up digitally based on what they can afford and leave with fuel to cook. The platform is integrated with smart technology that monitors consumption, ensures safety and provides real-time data on energy usage patterns.
By modernizing the traditional LPG distribution model, PayGas not only reduces logistical costs but also empowers consumers with flexibility and choice. This innovation is critical in countries where energy poverty remains a barrier to both public health and economic inclusion.
Winning the BRICS award puts PayGas and South African energy innovation on the global map. Giampietri’s recognition amplifies the need for inclusive energy solutions across the Global South.
“I believe that reinforcing the LPG regulation cooperation between South Africa, Brazil and India will unlock the clean cooking gas access for 2.3 billion citizens, world wide.,” said Natalia. This recognition is a reminder that solutions born in townships and underserved communities can shape global conversations.
PayGas plans to scale its footprint across Southern Africa, with expansion projects already underway in high-density urban centers. With LPG prices fluctuating and grid electricity often unreliable, the demand for affordable, clean and scalable energy alternatives continues to grow.
As part of her BRICS prize, Natalia Guida Giampietri will join other global female founders in Rio de Janeiro, where she will pitch PayGas’ model to a network of investors, policymakers and business leaders committed to gender-inclusive economic growth.
