The Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP) is a government incentive administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The programme aims to leverage investment by supporting infrastructure that is deemed critical to specific investment projects, thereby lowering the cost of doing business and stimulating investment growth aligned with South Africa’s NIPF and IPAP.
Infrastructure is defined as ‘critical’ when the related investment would not take place without the said infrastructure, or would not operate optimally without it. The CIP provides a cost-sharing grant upon the completion of verifiable milestones, as may be approved by the Adjudication Committee.
The standard grant offering is 10% to 30% of total qualifying infrastructural development costs, capped at R50 million, based on the applicant’s achieved score in the Economic Benefit Criteria. Enhanced grant rates apply in specific categories: agro-processing applicants and state-owned Aerospace and Defence National Strategic Testing Facilities qualify for 10%–50%; projects that alleviate water or electricity dependency on the national grid also qualify for 10%–50%; distressed municipalities and state-owned industrial parks may receive up to 100% of infrastructure costs, capped at R50 million.
All applicants must be South African registered legal entities and must demonstrate B-BBEE compliance at a minimum of level four as per the Codes of Good Practice. A grace period of 15 months from application submission is allowed to achieve B-BBEE compliance, with the B-BBEE certificate required at claim stage.
Applicants that have applied for the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility (SEIF) are not eligible for CIP funding for the same infrastructure activities.
The CIP is available to South African registered legal entities whose investment projects require critical infrastructure to proceed or operate optimally. Specifically:
Foreign direct investors incorporated in South Africa are eligible where it can be proven that they do not enter into partnership arrangements in foreign countries — with provisions under the Codes of Good Practice for contributions in lieu of direct equity sales.
The CIP offers a cost-sharing grant as follows:
The CIP grant may be used towards qualifying infrastructural development costs that are deemed critical to a related investment project, including but not limited to:
Note: The CIP may not be used for the same infrastructure activity items applied for under the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility (SEIF).
For application:
For claims:
You likely qualify if:
You likely do not qualify if:
Applicants must demonstrate that the infrastructure is critical to the related investment — i.e. the investment would not proceed or would not operate optimally without it. A detailed application form with business case justification is required, along with B-BBEE compliance documentation.
Applications: CIPApps@thedtic.gov.za
Claims: CIPClaims@thedtic.gov.za
Enquiries: CIPContact@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:
