The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) administers South Africa's most significant industrial incentive programmes, offering cash grants, tax allowances, and cost-sharing incentives worth billions of rands annually. This guide covers all major DTIC programmes including the Black Industrialist Scheme, Automotive Investment Scheme, Agro-Processing Support Scheme, GBS Incentive, and Film Incentive – and flags closed programmes (MCEP, Section 12I) so you don't waste time on dead applications.
Who This Is For
- Manufacturing and industrial businesses
- Black industrialists seeking transformation funding
- Automotive manufacturers and component suppliers
- Film and television production companies
- Exporters seeking market development support
About DTIC Incentives
Types of Incentives
DTIC offers several categories of support:
- Cash Grants: Direct funding for qualifying projects (BIS, SPII, APSS, GBS)
- Tax Relief: Reduced rates and allowances (SEZ tax regime; Section 12I is now closed to new applications)
- Cost-Sharing Grants: Matching funds for specific activities (APSS, ADEP, CIP)
- Production Rebates: Refunds based on qualifying expenditure (Film Incentive)
- Concessionary Loans: Below-market loans via the IDC (CTFL Growth Programme for clothing & textiles)
Online Incentives System (OIS)
DTIC incentive applications are submitted through the Online Incentives System (OIS) portal at oisportal.thedtic.gov.za. Use of the OIS portal has been mandatory for new applications since 1 June 2026.
Manufacturing Incentives
1. Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS)
Overview
Flagship transformation programme providing grants to black-owned manufacturing enterprises. The most significant DTIC grant programme for B-BBEE-compliant businesses.
Grant Amount
30-50% of qualifying investment, up to R50 million per project
Eligible Activities
- New manufacturing facilities
- Expansion of existing facilities
- Machinery and equipment acquisition
- Working capital (limited portion)
Key Requirements
- 51%+ black ownership with management control
- Manufacturing or agro-processing focus
- Minimum investment of R5 million
- Clear job creation commitment
How to Apply
Apply through the OIS portal at oisportal.thedtic.gov.za – mandatory for all new BIS applications since 1 June 2026.
2. Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP) – Closed
Status
MCEP's grant component closed to new applications in October 2015 and has never reopened. It was a cost-sharing grant programme for manufacturing competitiveness (capital investment, green technology, cluster development). Only a legacy loan facility variant survived at the IDC. If you see MCEP advertised as an open grant, treat it as outdated or a scam.
Active Alternatives
- Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS): 30-50% cost-share grant for 51%+ black-owned manufacturers
- Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS): 20-30% grant for agro-processing investment
- SPII: grants for new product and process development
3. Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII)
Overview
Grant programme for development of innovative products and processes with commercial potential.
Grant Schemes
- Product Process Development: 50% grant up to R2 million
- Matching Scheme: 50:50 cost sharing up to R5 million
- Partnership Scheme: 75% cost sharing with universities
Eligible Activities
- New product development
- Process innovation
- Prototyping and testing
- Technology acquisition and adaptation
4. Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP)
Overview
Grant support for infrastructure investment enabling large-scale manufacturing projects.
Grant Amount
10-30% cost-share of infrastructure costs (special tiers of 10-50% apply in some cases), capped at R50 million per project
Eligible Infrastructure
- Bulk water and sewerage
- Electricity infrastructure
- Access roads
- Rail sidings
- Telecommunications infrastructure
Contact
CIPApps@thedtic.gov.za
Sector-Specific Incentives
1. Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS)
Overview
Investment support for the automotive industry including OEMs and component manufacturers.
Grant Amount
20-35% of qualifying investment (higher for B-BBEE and localisation)
Eligible Entities
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Component manufacturers (Tier 1, 2, 3)
- Tooling companies
- Automotive parts retailers/distributors
Qualifying Activities
- New production facilities
- Production line upgrades
- Tooling and dies investment
- New model introductions
2. Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS)
Overview
Cost-sharing grant for agro-processing investment, administered jointly with the IDC.
Grant Amount
30% of qualifying investment below R10 million; 20% for investment above R10 million – capped at R20 million. Apply via the OIS portal.
Eligible Activities
- Processing equipment and machinery
- Cold chain infrastructure
- Packaging facilities
- Quality control laboratories
Priority Sub-Sectors
- Fruit and vegetable processing
- Meat processing
- Beverages
- Grain milling and processing
3. CTFL Growth Programme (CTFLGP) – formerly CTCP
Overview
Sector-specific programme supporting clothing, textiles, footwear, and leather (CTFL) industries. In October 2021 it replaced the old Clothing & Textiles Competitiveness Programme (CTCP) and its grant components.
Funding Instrument
- Concessionary loans (not grants) administered by the IDC
- Supports plant and machinery, working capital, and competitiveness upgrades
- Apply via ctflgp.co.za
Eligible Entities
South African clothing, textiles, footwear, and leather manufacturers
4. Film & Television Production Incentive
Overview
Production rebates attracting international and supporting local film and television productions.
Rebate Rates
- Foreign Productions: 25% of qualifying South African expenditure
- SA Productions: 25-35% of qualifying expenditure
- SA Co-Productions: 25-30% depending on structure
- Post-Production: 22.5% for foreign, 25% for local
Minimum Spend Requirements
- Foreign feature films: R12 million QSAPE
- SA feature films: R2.5 million QSAPE
- TV series: Per episode minimums apply
Export & Trade Incentives
1. Export Marketing & Investment Assistance (EMIA)
Overview
Reimbursement scheme for export market development activities including trade shows, missions, and market research travel.
Assistance Types
EMIA reimburses fixed allowances per cost item – not a percentage of your costs. Covered items include:
- Economy-class airfare for approved export development trips
- Daily subsistence allowance while travelling
- Transport of samples to exhibitions and buyers
- Exhibition costs (stand space and related charges) at approved shows
- Inward Buying Missions: Hosting international buyers
Eligibility
- South African manufacturer or service provider
- Exporting or export-ready
- B-BBEE compliant (Level 4 or better for full benefits)
- Apply via the OIS portal before the activity takes place
2. Global Business Services (GBS) Incentive
Overview
Successor to the Business Process Services (BPS) incentive. Supports firms that serve offshore (international) clients from South Africa – call centres, business process outsourcing, IT services, legal and financial process work.
Grant Amount
- Fixed grant per offshore job created, paid over 5 years – approximately R134,000 to R280,000 per job depending on the complexity tier of the work
Key Requirements
- A contract to serve offshore clients for at least 3 years
- Create at least 30 complex or 50 non-complex offshore jobs within 3 years
- Youth-hiring requirements apply to new jobs created
3. Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
Overview
A tax regime, not a grant. Businesses access SEZ benefits by locating operations in a designated Special Economic Zone – there is no grant amount to apply for.
Key Incentives
- Corporate Tax: 15% under section 12R (vs standard 27%)
- Building Allowance: 10% per annum
- Employment Tax Incentive: Enhanced ETI
- Customs Benefits: VAT and duty relief in customs-controlled areas (CCAs)
Designated SEZs
- Coega (Gqeberha)
- Richards Bay IDZ
- Dube TradePort (Durban)
- East London IDZ
- Saldanha Bay IDZ
- Tshwane Automotive SEZ
- Musina-Makhado SEZ
- OR Tambo IDZ
Tax-Based Incentives
1. Section 12I Tax Allowance – Closed
Status
Tax allowance for greenfield and brownfield industrial projects. Closed to new applications since 31 March 2020. Only projects approved before that date can still claim their allowances. Do not budget for 12I on new investments.
Historical Allowance Rates (pre-2020 approvals only)
- Greenfield (new): 55-100% of investment over 4 years
- Brownfield (expansion): 35-75% of investment over 4 years
- Training Allowance: R36,000 per employee trained
Alternatives for New Projects
- SEZ tax regime (15% corporate rate) if you locate in a designated zone
- BIS or sector grants (AIS, APSS) for qualifying investments
2. Aquaculture Development & Enhancement Programme (ADEP)
Overview
Grant support for aquaculture development including fish farming, processing, and related activities.
Grant Amount
30-45% cost-share of qualifying investment (an additional 5% is possible for small black-owned enterprises), capped at R20 million
Eligible Activities
- Fish and shellfish farming facilities
- Hatcheries and nurseries
- Processing and cold storage
- Feed production
Eligibility Requirements
- South African registered company (Pty Ltd or public company)
- Operating in qualifying sectors for the specific incentive
- Tax compliant (valid SARS TCS PIN)
- B-BBEE compliant (requirements vary by programme)
- Clean record (no outstanding DTIC claims or non-compliance)
- Labour compliance (UIF, COIDA, minimum wages)
| Programme | B-BBEE Requirement | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Black Industrialist | 51%+ black ownership | R5 million |
| AIS | Level 1-4 required | R10 million |
| GBS Incentive | Not the primary gate | 30+ complex / 50+ non-complex offshore jobs in 3 years |
| EMIA | Level 4 for full benefits | None (export-ready) |
| Film Incentive | Not required | Varies by production type |
How to Apply
- Register on OIS Portal
Create company profile at oisportal.thedtic.gov.za (mandatory since 1 June 2026). Allow 5-10 days for verification.
- Select Appropriate Programme
Review eligibility criteria and select the incentive matching your project.
- Prepare Documentation
Gather all required documents including business plan, financials, B-BBEE certificate, and project-specific requirements.
- Submit Online Application
Complete the online application form and upload supporting documents through OIS.
- DTIC Assessment
Application reviewed by programme team. May include site visits and clarifications.
- Adjudication Committee
Application presented to relevant committee for approval decision.
- Approval & Agreement
If approved, incentive agreement signed with conditions and reporting requirements.
- Implementation & Claims
Implement project per agreement and submit claims for reimbursement/allowances.
Processing Times
- EMIA: 15-30 days
- Black Industrialist: 90-180 days
- AIS: 90-180 days
- Film Incentive: 30-60 days (after production)
Tips for Success
- Apply before investing: Most programmes require applications before project commencement
- Get your B-BBEE certificate: Most programmes require Level 4 or better for full benefits
- Document job creation: Employment impact is critical to most DTIC programmes
- Engage early: Contact DTIC or consultants to confirm eligibility before detailed application
- Keep detailed records: You'll need to substantiate all qualifying expenditure for claims
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting projects before approval (retrospective funding rarely available)
- Incomplete B-BBEE documentation
- Applying to wrong programme for your sector
- Poor record-keeping making claims difficult
- Missing reporting deadlines during implementation
Key Legislation
- B-BBEE Act (53 of 2003) – Transformation requirements for all DTIC incentives
- Income Tax Act (58 of 1962) – Section 12I tax allowances and related provisions
- Special Economic Zones Act (16 of 2014) – SEZ designation and incentives
- Automotive Production & Development Programme – AIS framework regulations
Next Steps
Ready to Apply?
Browse live DTIC funding programmes in FundingOS. Check your readiness before applying to identify any gaps in your documentation.
Need Help With DTIC Incentives?
Connect with DTIC incentive consultants who can help navigate the application process and maximize your grant claims.
- Business plan development
- Financial projections
- Funding application support
- Pitch deck preparation