The Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme – Economic Job Creation and Support (MCEP-EJCS) is a concessionary funding initiative administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Its primary objective is to provide zero-interest debt financing to manufacturing companies that demonstrate job creation potential in South Africa.
The programme operates through two distinct facilities. The Working Capital Facility is open to all manufacturing companies (including start-ups) that are at least BBBEE Level 4 or commit to achieving Level 4 within 24 months. It covers production-related working capital costs (excluding direct salaries and wages) and carries a maximum term of 48 months. The Plant & Equipment Facility is exclusively available to Black Industrialists with at least 51% shareholding and supports the acquisition of plant and equipment, with a maximum term of 84 months.
Both facilities are priced at 0% interest for the full duration, making them highly concessionary instruments designed to stimulate manufacturing investment and employment. The combined funding cap across all MCEP sub-funds is R30 million per applicant.
An additional incentive is available: for existing companies, a portion of the loan (up to 30% of total MCEP and IDC funding, capped at R3 million) may be converted into a grant if the company demonstrates creation of at least 10% additional jobs within 18 months of first disbursement. Business Support of up to R3 million is also provided.
Companies must maintain a leverage level of at least 20% from IDC and must not retrench employees during the term of the facility. Raising and commitment fees are excluded, but all other standard IDC fees apply.
Working Capital Facility: Production costs only (excluding direct salaries and wages). This covers raw materials, consumables, and other operational inputs directly related to manufacturing production.
Plant & Equipment Facility: Acquisition of plant and equipment for manufacturing operations. Available exclusively to Black Industrialists (51%+ black shareholding).
Applications for MCEP-EJCS funding are submitted directly to the IDC. The IDC evaluates applications against the qualifying criteria for the relevant sub-facility (Working Capital or Plant & Equipment). Applicants must demonstrate that they are manufacturing companies, meet BBBEE requirements (or commit to meeting them), and will not retrench staff during the facility term.
Applicants should prepare a business plan and financial information as per the IDC’s standard application process. The IDC website provides Business Plan Guidelines and General Criteria documents to assist applicants. Applications can be submitted via the IDC’s online portal or by contacting the IDC directly through their Contact Us page.
No retrenchments permitted during the facility term
For enquiries and applications, contact the IDC directly:
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:
siyabongam@idc.co.za
Contact Number:
0860 693 888
Use the following tools to help you apply:
