Overview
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) runs a suite of grants and incentives designed to grow local production, support exports, attract investment and stimulate job-creating projects across South Africa. Below are 10 of the most relevant programmes for business owners and buyers — with practical examples and application pointers.
1. Black Industrialists Programme (BIP)
What it does: Co-funding and support to transform supply chains by helping black-owned manufacturers scale and secure large contracts.
Example: A black-owned steel fabricator in Gauteng can apply for co-funding to buy fabrication machinery that enables it to tender for metropolitan infrastructure projects.
2. Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP)
What it does: Support for manufacturers to improve competitiveness through investment in plant, equipment and process upgrades.
Example: A plastic packaging firm in KwaZulu-Natal uses MCEP support to replace older lines with automated machinery, lowering costs and increasing export readiness.
3. Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP)
What it does: Grants for large projects that unlock industrial development by funding essential infrastructure — power, water, roads, waste removal — at industrial sites.
Example: An industrial park developer in the Eastern Cape secures CIP support to build bulk water and access roads that make the park attractive to anchor investors.
4. Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA)
What it does: Reimbursement of certain export promotion activities and assistance in attracting foreign buyers and investment.
Example: A Western Cape wine exporter gets partial reimbursements for participating in an international trade fair and hosting buyer delegations.
5. Film and Television Production Incentive
What it does: Cash rebates or incentives for locally shot productions and co-productions to attract international crews and develop the local industry.
Example: A Cape Town production company claims a rebate on qualifying local expenditure when shooting a series that hires Cape Town crews and suppliers.
6. Automotive Production & Investment Support (APDP / AIP & AIS)
What it does: Incentives tailored to the automotive sector to encourage vehicle and component manufacturing investment and production.
Example: A parts supplier in Coega secures incentive support to expand a plant that supplies components to an OEM assembly line.
7. Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS)
What it does: Co-funding for machinery and technical assistance to add value to agricultural outputs and create downstream jobs.
Example: A small rooibos processor in the Western Cape accesses APSS funding to buy drying and packing equipment, enabling entry into supermarket supply chains.
8. Business Process Services (BPS) Incentive
What it does: Supports investment in call centres, shared services and BPO operations to attract foreign clients and create jobs.
Example: A Durban-based firm expands a multilingual contact centre and uses BPS support to cover part of the investment and training costs.
9. Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII)
What it does: Funding support for industrial research and development projects that lead to commercial products, processes or services.
Example: A Pretoria manufacturer develops an energy-saving kiln with SPII co-funding for prototyping and testing before commercial roll-out.
10. Manufacturing Investment and Job Creation Support
What it does: A range of schemes and discretionary support for strategic projects that deliver substantial employment and local supply chain benefits.
Example: A manufacturer planning a large greenfield project may approach the dtic for a package combining infrastructure and incentive support to make the investment financially viable.
Practical application tips
- Read the programme guide: Each incentive has a detailed guideline with eligibility, allowable costs and claims procedures. Download from the dtic website before preparing your application.
- Prepare proper documents: Typical requirements include a detailed business plan, cash flow projections, audited or management financials, tax clearance and B-BBEE documentation.
- Engage early: Talk to the dtic regional office or your provincial economic development agency early in project planning. Many programmes require pre-approval before procurement or spending.
- Understand co-funding: Most dtic incentives reimburse eligible costs or co-fund projects — they seldom cover full capital outlays. Budget for the balance.
- Keep clear records: Claims are evidence-driven. Maintain invoices, proof of local spend, employment records and photographs for audit trails.
Where to get help
Start at the dtic website for programme documents and application contact points. For complex projects consider a local funding consultant, your industry association or the provincial investment promotion agency. Small businesses can also check SEDA and SEFA for complementary support.
Final note
dtic incentives can materially reduce risk and unlock investment, but success depends on matching the right programme to your project, preparing accurate documentation and timing applications correctly. Use the examples above to identify which incentive aligns with your business case, and plan a compliance-led application to improve your chances.