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, MCEP, Automotive Investment Scheme, and Film Incentive.
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 (MCEP, BIS, SPII, CTCP)
- Tax Allowances: Deductions against taxable income (12I, AIS production rebates)
- Cost-Sharing Grants: Matching funds for specific activities (EMIA, APSS)
- Production Rebates: Refunds based on qualifying expenditure (Film Incentive)
Online Incentives System (OIS)
Most DTIC incentive applications are submitted through the Online Incentives System (OIS) portal at incentives.dtic.gov.za.
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 (B-BBEE compliant)
- Manufacturing or agro-processing focus
- Minimum investment of R5 million
- Clear job creation commitment
2. Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP)
Overview
Cost-sharing grant programme to improve manufacturing competitiveness through capital investment, green technology, and cluster development.
Grant Components
- Production Incentive: 15-25% of investment in machinery
- Green Technology: Additional 5-10% for energy efficiency
- Feasibility Studies: 50% cost sharing up to R2 million
- Cluster Development: 80% cost sharing for cluster activities
Eligible Sectors
All manufacturing sectors with focus on export competitiveness and job retention
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% of infrastructure costs, typically R10 million to R100 million+
Eligible Infrastructure
- Bulk water and sewerage
- Electricity infrastructure
- Access roads
- Rail sidings
- Telecommunications infrastructure
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
20% of qualifying investment, maximum R20 million
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. Clothing & Textiles Competitiveness Programme (CTCP)
Overview
Sector-specific programme supporting clothing, textiles, footwear, and leather industries.
Grant Components
- Production Incentive: Up to 45% of investment in plant and machinery
- Competitiveness Improvement: Skills, compliance, quality systems
- Cluster Support: Industry collaboration programmes
Eligible Entities
Clothing, textiles, footwear, and leather manufacturers registered with CTFL SETA
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
Cost-sharing grants for export market development activities including trade shows, missions, and marketing.
Assistance Types
- Primary Market Research: 50% cost sharing up to R200,000
- Trade Exhibitions: 80% cost sharing for accredited shows
- Individual Exhibitions: 60% cost sharing for solo booths
- Outward Trade Missions: 100% of DTIC-led missions
- 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)
2. Special Economic Zones (SEZ)
Overview
Tax and regulatory incentives for businesses operating in designated Special Economic Zones.
Key Incentives
- Corporate Tax: 15% (vs standard 27%)
- Building Allowance: 10% per annum
- Employment Tax Incentive: Enhanced ETI
- Customs Benefits: VAT and duty relief in customs-controlled areas
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
Overview
Tax allowance for greenfield and brownfield industrial projects. Note: Programme is in sunset phase – applications may be limited.
Allowance Rates
- 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
Qualifying Criteria
- Minimum R50 million investment
- Manufacturing or industrial activity
- Scoring on jobs, skills, location, sector
2. Aquaculture Development & Enhancement Programme (ADEP)
Overview
Grant support for aquaculture development including fish farming, processing, and related activities.
Grant Amount
20-30% of qualifying investment
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 |
| MCEP | Level 4 or better | R5 million |
| AIS | Level 4 or better | R10 million |
| 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 incentives.dtic.gov.za. 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
- MCEP: 60-120 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