The ECIC Black Industrialists Support Programme participates in the vision entrenched in the National Development Plan (NDP), which recognises that many black South Africans have historically been excluded from the formal economy. The programme aims to support Black Industrialists towards full-scale participation in industrialisation and inclusive growth by offering a tailored underwriting framework with reduced barriers to access.
A Black Industrialist is defined as a juristic person (including co-operatives incorporated under the Companies Act, 2008) owned by Black South Africans as defined by the B-BBEE Act, who create and own value-adding industrial capacity and provide long-term strategic and operational leadership to a business. A black industrialist may also be a natural person.
The programme’s underwriting framework includes: no assessment fees on BI applications; insurance risk cover support on an unsecured basis (at least for bonds, working capital, and advance payment guarantees); advisory assistance to BI applicants in collaboration with other DFIs and SOEs; and special support for start-up BI companies based on the strength of their business plan and executive management’s skills.
A BI export project of up to USD 20 million is covered at 100% political and commercial risk cover. Going-concern BI entities must demonstrate viability on the transaction even without prior international market exposure. Processed and consumable products may be covered provided they fall within the designated IPAP sectors, subject to the consent of the Minister of Trade and Industry.
The programme targets BI entities operating in specific strategic industrial sectors, including ocean economy, oil and gas, clean technology and energy, mineral beneficiation, aerospace, rail and automotive components, construction and infrastructure, ICT, agro-processing, clothing/textiles/leather/footwear, and pulp/paper/furniture.
Applications are processed through both the BI Financing Forum at the dti and ECIC directly. All BI applications submitted to ECIC are forwarded to the dti Financing Forum for compliance verification and BI beneficiary approval before insurance cover is offered.
The BI Support Programme is available to:
Applicants must be operating or intending to operate in one of the designated IPAP or PPPFA sectors.
Under the BI Support Programme, ECIC provides insurance cover (not a grant or loan) on the following terms:
The BI Support Programme covers export transactions in the following sectors:
Processed and consumable products may also be covered if they fall within designated IPAP sectors, subject to the consent of the Minister of Trade and Industry. Bonds, working capital facilities, and advance payment guarantees are supported on an unsecured basis.
Definition of Black Industrialist: A juristic person incorporated under the Companies Act (2008) and owned by Black South Africans as defined by the B-BBEE Act, providing long-term strategic and operational leadership to a value-adding industrial business. A natural person may also qualify.
Underwriting framework conditions:
Events of Default covered:
Political risk events:
Commercial risk events:
SA content requirement: The applicant must comply with the ECIC’s standard SA content requirement.
Policy of Insurance: The terms and conditions of the insurance policy depend on the ECIC insurance product requested (i.e. bond insurance, export credit insurance, or working capital).
The BI Support Programme has a dual-entry application process:
Before applying for the BI Support Programme, prepare the following:
Use this checklist to assess whether the BI Support Programme is suitable for your situation:
Applicants must provide: B-BBEE ownership proof; company registration documents; business plan (for start-ups, including management CVs and sector experience); financial statements or management accounts (for going concerns); export contract details; details of bonds/working capital/guarantees required; and evidence of operation in a designated IPAP/PPPFA sector.
Applicants must comply with the standard ECIC South African content requirement. All applications are submitted to both ECIC and the dti BI Financing Forum for BI beneficiary compliance verification and approval. Advisory assistance is available from ECIC in collaboration with other DFIs and SOEs.
To apply for the ECIC Black Industrialists Support Programme or to request more information, contact ECIC directly or the dti BI Financing Forum:
The above indicative premium rates are based on USD amounts.
Please note that the above premium rates are indicative, non-binding, and are based on limited assumptions regarding specific project risks. ECIC is not legally bound by indicative premiums. Actual premiums will be determined by ECIC upon submission of detailed project information or a completed insurance application form and may vary substantially as further information becomes available. We do not accept any liability for loss or damage of any nature, including indirect or consequential loss which may be attributable to the reliance on and use of the premium calculator. Please contact us for verification of any of the information provided.
IMPORTANT:
These results are indicative. Final terms to be confirmed by the fund agency.
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: info@ecic.co.za
Contact Number: 012 471 3800
Portia Dube: 012 471 3800
Use the following tools to help you apply:
