The Agro-Processing Support Scheme (APSS) is a financial incentive programme offered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to stimulate investment in South African agro-processing and beneficiation (agri-business) enterprises. The scheme is designed to support businesses that process or beneficiate agricultural raw materials into higher-value products.
The programme offers a cost-sharing grant of 20% to 30% of qualifying investment costs, capped at R20 million, over a two-year investment period. Claims must be submitted within six months after the final approved milestone. An additional 10% grant may be considered where projects demonstrate strong economic benefits across all criteria including employment, transformation, geographic spread, and local procurement.
Eligible investment costs may be used across a combination of activities, provided the applicant presents a sound business case. Applications must be submitted before the start of any processing, beneficiation, or qualifying activities — assets already purchased and taken into commercial use before application will not qualify.
Applicants must submit a completed application form and business plan covering at least three years of projected financial information. Existing entities must provide audited financial statements not older than 18 months. Employment levels must be maintained throughout the incentive period at no less than the 12-month average prior to application.
The APSS is available to South African agro-processing and beneficiation (agri-business) enterprises that:
Both new and existing enterprises may apply, provided existing entities can supply recent audited financial statements.
The APSS provides a non-repayable cost-sharing grant with the following structure:
The approved grant may be applied to a combination of qualifying investment costs within the agro-processing or beneficiation project. The applicant must illustrate a sound business case for the proposed investment activities. Qualifying costs typically relate to:
Assets purchased and taken into commercial use, or costs incurred before the application date, are not eligible.
For application, prepare the following:
For claims, prepare the following:
You likely qualify if:
You likely do not qualify if:
Applicants must provide a completed application form and a detailed business plan covering agro-processing/beneficiation activities, budget plans, and projected income statement and balance sheet for a minimum of three years. Existing entities must provide audited financial statements not older than 18 months.
Applications: APSSapplications@thedtic.gov.za
Claims: apssclaims@thedtic.gov.za
Enquiries: APSScontact@thedtic.gov.za
Programme officials:
Most applications are delayed or declined due to incomplete submissions. Preparing the items below upfront will significantly improve your chances.
Core documents (required for almost all funds)
Project‑specific documents (depending on the fund)
Additional requirements
Timelines vary by fund and depend heavily on the quality and completeness of your application.
Email Address: NFMcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Mahlatse Mothapo: 012 394 3554 / 082 903 5845
Ms. Jane Mtshali: 012 394 1385
Email Address: NGLcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. David Molefe: 012 394 1262
Ms. Selinah Swaratlhe: 012 394 1140
Email Address: WCcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Elias Rafapa: 021 480 8064 / 063 688 6466
Mr. Vuyo Zitha: 021 480 8055 / 066 306 8424
Ms. Monica Masangwana: 021 480 8063 / 082 647 3611
Email Address: ECcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Andre Le Grange: 041 502 9000 / 060 753 0751
Mr. Simphiwe Ngonyama: 060 753 0663
Ms. Princess Konza: 072 295 4806
Email Address: KZNcustomercare@thedtic.gov.za
Mr. Wiseman Myeni: 076 129 9697
Ms. Rajeshri Sardha: 072 295 1480
Ms. Neela Govender: 072 296 0369
Ms. Constance Gumede: 072 296 1837
Use the following tools to help you apply:
