Nonhlanhla Mhlongo is redefining sustainability through Khwezi Innovations. Her story, etched in the vibrant landscape of South Africa is a testament to the power of an unwavering commitment to a greener future.
“My journey began in the rural areas of South Africa,” she shares, a place where “access to resources, opportunities, and exposure was limited.” But this perceived limitation became the very catalyst for her groundbreaking work. Relocating to Pretoria ignited a spark, a realization of “limitless possibilities” that fueled her drive to push the boundaries of innovation.
“Failure,” she asserts, “is also an opportunity to improve and do better on my 2nd or 3rd approach,” —a philosophy that has propelled her into the green innovation space.
Her journey, rooted in curiosity, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to sustainability, is not just inspiring; it is revolutionary.
The Birth of an Idea
Nonhlanhla’s passion for green innovation stems from both her academic background in Life Sciences and a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the chaos, as a substitute Mathematics teacher at Robert Hicks School in 2020, she witnessed how frequent hand sanitizing disrupted learning. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a problem crying out for a solution. This observation sparked an idea: creating a solution that ensures hygiene without compromising comfort.
“This sparked an idea of developing a solution that would not only ensure hygiene but also be long-lasting and environmentally friendly,” Nonhlanhla explains.
From this necessity, Khwezi Innovations was born, a company dedicated to developing biodegradable and sustainable hygiene alternatives.
At the forefront of Khwezi Innovations’ product line is ProAct-Layer, a groundbreaking 2-in-1 biodegradable hand glove sanitizer. “We developed a film-forming hand sanitizer that provides long-lasting protection while moisturizing the skin,” Nonhlanhla explains. This innovation is not just about convenience—it represents a paradigm shift in how hygiene products interact with the environment.
This 2-in-1 biodegradable hand glove sanitizer forms a peelable protective layer, a film-forming hand sanitizer that provides long-lasting protection while moisturizing the skin. It’s a game-changer, addressing both hygiene and environmental concerns in one elegant solution.
The Road to Green Innovation
Khwezi Innovations is built on the foundation of addressing both environmental concerns and operational inefficiencies. “My journey into green innovation was born out of necessity and passion,” she reflects. “Witnessing the environmental and operational inefficiencies in the hygiene sector during the pandemic made me realize the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between effective hygiene solutions and environmental conservation.”
Her participation in prestigious programs such as AWE Program, TECA, and the United People Global (UPG) Entrepreneurship Program further refined her vision and deepened her understanding of the global sustainability crisis and the urgent need for circular economy solutions.
These experiences have solidified her belief that “green innovation” is key to reshaping industries. “In Africa,” she emphasizes, “green innovation remains underdeveloped despite its immense potential. There is a growing need for biodegradable, sustainable, and scalable solutions; Not just in hygiene but across multiple sectors.” Her mission is clear: to drive a paradigm shift where businesses and individuals adopt sustainability as a “core business strategy” rather than a mere compliance requirement.
Despite the immense potential of green innovation in Africa, Nonhlanhla acknowledges the hurdles:
- Market Entry & Acceptance: “Convincing stakeholders of the commercial viability of eco-friendly solutions has required persistent education and proof of concept.”
- Funding Challenges: Securing financial backing for research and prototype development has been an ongoing battle. Yet, Khwezi Innovations has successfully attracted funding through competitions such as Diamond Do Good, UPG Entrepreneurship Grant, and TECA.
- Technical Expertise & Mentorship: “Finding the right chemists, sustainability experts, and industry mentors has been crucial,” she notes. Collaborations with Lamchem and Moeketsi from OceanHub Africa have helped refine their product development.
- Regulatory Barriers: “Ensuring compliance with industry standards while maintaining innovation requires extensive testing and certification processes.”
But her unwavering belief in Khwezi Innovations’ mission has propelled her forward.
Impact and Industry Disruption
Khwezi Innovations’ impact extends far beyond its innovative products. They’re actively engaged in community building and education. Collaborating with Lathitha Biodiesel (Pty) Ltd, they’ve played a crucial role in “educating and mobilizing communities” about green innovation, circular economy principles, and waste management. They’re also empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through pitch coaching and mentorship.
“We were part of a campaign where we were invited to assist the organization through pitch coaching and mentorship,” Nonhlanhla explains. Their approach to measuring impact is data-driven, tracking metrics such as plastic waste reduction, community adoption rates, and cross-sector partnerships.
“Since we started, there has been a significant shift in how businesses approach sustainability,” Nonhlanhla states. The green economy, once seen as a niche market, is now a necessity. “Increased investment in sustainability-focused startups,” “growing demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly products,” “regulatory shifts,” and “rising consumer awareness” are all indicators of this profound change.
The Future of Green Innovation in Africa
To Nonhlanhla the future of green innovation in Africa is poised for transformative growth, driven by groundbreaking advancements and shifting industry priorities. With biodegradable nanotechnology solutions emerging as the next frontier in hygiene products, businesses are rethinking sustainability from the ground up. Smart dispensers, designed for controlled and efficient sanitizer usage, are revolutionizing hygiene standards while minimizing waste.
At the same time, AI-driven sustainability analytics are reshaping waste management by providing data-backed insights for improved efficiency. Investment in sustainability-focused startups is at an all-time high, with corporations and policymakers recognizing the necessity of eco-friendly solutions. Consumer awareness is also fueling this shift, with a growing demand for biodegradable and environmentally responsible products
Nonhlanhla’s work has garnered recognition, earning her a runner-up spot at the World Bank/IPB500 Pitch Competition and securing funding from UPG Entrepreneurship Grant. She has also exhibited at Science Forum South Africa 2024 and was a Top 10 finalist in the HerMeNow Accelerator.
Her achievements are a testament to her dedication and vision. Looking ahead, she is looking to the future, participating in events like the 40 Under Forty Awards 2025. she is also set to pitch at Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025 (Cape Town), further cementing her role as a key player in Africa’s sustainability movement.
A Vision for Tomorrow
Nonhlanhla’s ultimate goal is ambitious yet clear: “I want Khwezi Innovations to be Africa’s leading green solutions provider, reshaping how industries approach hygiene, waste, and sustainability.” Beyond her business, she is committed to mentorship and environmental education, ensuring that the next generation of African entrepreneurs embraces sustainability as a viable and profitable path.
“Yes! I am part of a youth mentorship program, assisting young entrepreneurs in refining their pitches and business models. Also, I support environmental education initiatives that raise awareness on sustainability in underserved communities. Given I also have a background in Teaching.”
“The most valuable lesson I have learned is that resilience and adaptability are key in entrepreneurship,” she reflects. “Challenges are inevitable, but innovators thrive by finding solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.”
She also emphasizes the “power of collaboration – No visionary succeeds alone. Strategic partnerships, mentorship, and community engagement are vital for scaling impactful solutions.” Nonhlanhla Mhlongo’s story is not just about green innovation; it’s about igniting a sustainable revolution, one biodegradable product, one mentored entrepreneur, one community at a time. It’s a story that resonates with hope, inspires action, and promises a brighter, greener future for Africa and the world.
