The Aquaculture Development and Enhancement Programme (ADEP) is a government incentive administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), targeting South African registered entities engaged in primary, secondary, and ancillary aquaculture activities. The programme is classified under SIC 132 (fish hatcheries and fish farms) and SIC 301/3012 (production, processing and preserving of aquaculture fish).
ADEP provides a reimbursable cost-sharing grant of up to 50% of qualifying costs, capped at R20 million, for new projects, upgrades, or expansions. The grant covers a wide array of qualifying assets and activities, making it one of the more comprehensive aquaculture-specific incentives available in South Africa.
Eligible qualifying costs include machinery and equipment, bulk infrastructure (water and electrical only), owned land (for small black enterprises only), buildings such as ponds, cages, and tanks, leasehold improvements, rental costs (for small black enterprises), aquaculture feed (up to 10% of total costs, or 20% for small black enterprises), commercial vehicles and work boats, competitiveness improvement activities, environmental impact assessments (for small black enterprises), and mentorship support.
The programme has a specific category for small black enterprises — defined as 100% black-owned operations with an investment below R5 million — that enjoy enhanced benefits such as access to owned land, rental costs, higher aquaculture feed support, EIA costs, and mentorship.
ADEP’s secondary objectives include creating and sustaining jobs, broadening participation in the aquaculture sector, increasing production volumes, and encouraging geographic spread of aquaculture activities across South Africa.
ADEP is available to South African registered entities engaged in:
Special enhanced benefits apply to small black enterprises, defined as 100% black-owned entities with investment below R5 million, that exercise operational and management control and make a long-term commitment to the business.
ADEP offers a reimbursable cost-sharing grant of up to 50% of qualifying costs, capped at R20 million, for new, upgrading or expansion projects.
Qualifying cost categories and limits:
The ADEP grant may be used for the following qualifying expenditures on new, upgrading, or expansion aquaculture projects:
For application:
For claims:
You likely qualify if:
You may qualify for enhanced benefits if:
You likely do not qualify if:
Applicants must submit a completed ADEP Application Form and all mandatory annexures, supported by a business plan and financial projections demonstrating the viability of the aquaculture project.
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:
