The Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS) is a deliberate and targeted incentive programme of the dtic’s Black Industrialists Policy, designed to unlock the economic potential of black industrialists operating in South Africa. The scheme provides both financial and non-financial interventions to support black-owned manufacturing enterprises in entering and scaling within strategic manufacturing sectors and value chains.
A black industrialist, as defined by the scheme, is a juristic person (including co-operatives incorporated under the Companies Act, 2008) that is owned, managed and controlled by black people as defined by the B-BBEE Act, creates and owns value-adding industrial capacity, and provides long-term strategic and operational leadership to a business. A natural person may also qualify.
The BIS offers a cost-sharing grant ranging from 30% to 50% of qualifying costs, to a maximum of R50 million. The quantum of the grant depends on the level of black ownership and management control, the economic benefit of the project, and the total project value. Support covers capital investment costs, feasibility studies towards a bankable business plan (up to R3 million), post-investment support (up to R500 000), and business development services (up to R2 million).
The programme targets key manufacturing and productive sectors including blue/ocean economy, oil and gas, clean technology and energy, mineral beneficiation, aerospace/rail/automotive components, industrial infrastructure, ICT, agro-processing, clothing/textiles/leather/footwear, pulp/paper/furniture, chemicals/pharmaceuticals/plastics, nuclear, manufacturing-related logistics, and sectors designated for localisation.
All applicants must comply with mandatory requirements in paragraph 4 of the BIS guidelines and adhere to applicable legislative requirements governing their sector. The scheme has regional contact offices and enquiry email addresses for different provinces.
The BIS is targeted at black industrialists defined as entities that:
Black people is defined as Africans, Coloureds and Indians who are citizens of the Republic of South Africa by birth, descent, or naturalisation (before or after 27 April 1994 where they would have qualified prior to that date).
The BIS offers a cost-sharing grant of 30% to 50% of qualifying costs, to a maximum of R50 million. The grant quantum is determined by:
Support is available for:
The BIS grant may be applied on a cost-sharing basis towards:
For application:
For claims:
You likely qualify if:
You likely do not qualify if:
Applicants must submit a completed BIS Application Form with all annexures, a detailed business plan with financial projections, and documentation evidencing black ownership, management and control. Compliance with mandatory requirements in paragraph 4 of the BIS Guidelines is required.
Dominant black ownership and management control may be considered for projects deemed strategic by the dtic, but may need to include other shareholders to attract relevant skills, finance, and scale-up investment opportunities.
General enquiries: bienquiries@thedtic.gov.za
Applications: biapplications@thedtic.gov.za
Claims: biclaims@thedtic.gov.za
Inlands Provinces (Northern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga): nfmbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za — Mr. Mahlatse Mothapo (012 394 3554 / 082 903 5845), Ms. Jane Mtshali (012 394 1385)
Inlands Provinces (North West, Gauteng, Limpopo): nglbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za — Mr. David Molefe (012 394 1262), Ms. Selinah Swaratlhe (012 394 1140)
Western Cape: wcbienquiries@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)
Eastern Cape: ecbienquiries@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)
KwaZulu-Natal: kznbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za — Mr. Wiseman Myeni (076 129 9697), Ms. Neela Govender (072 296 0369), Ms. Constance Gumede (072 296 1837), Ms. Rajeshri Sardha (072 295 1480)
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:
