The NEF Furniture Fund is a R50-million initiative, approved by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), providing business loans of up to R5 million to black-owned furniture manufacturers to stimulate growth, create jobs, and reduce import reliance in South Africa’s furniture sector.
The Furniture Fund, a R50-million initiative approved by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), was entrusted to the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to stimulate growth in South Africa’s furniture sector. Recognised as a labour-intensive industry with significant potential to create jobs and reduce reliance on imports, the furniture sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy.
Aligned with the Government’s Furniture Industry Master Plan, this fund seeks to empower local manufacturers to seize opportunities, particularly in the production of office and school furniture — designated products under preferential procurement policies. To advance this goal, the NEF is providing business loans of up to R5 million per transaction, supporting the sector’s expansion and contribution to sustainable economic development.
2.1. Approvals
The NEF began implementing the FIF under the dtic programme in April 2024. The programme was therefore in existence for a period of just over 20 months. A total of 10 transactions were approved under the programme for a total value of R40 003 000.
The Furniture Fund is intended for black-owned businesses operating in South Africa’s furniture manufacturing sector. It specifically targets manufacturers of office and school furniture — designated products under government preferential procurement policies — as well as other furniture producers seeking to expand, modernise, or improve their competitiveness in the local market.
The NEF provides business loans of up to R5 million per transaction under the Furniture Fund. The fund has a total envelope of R50 million, approved by the dtic. As of reporting, 10 transactions valued at a total of R40 003 000 have been approved.
Funding under the Furniture Fund may be used to support the growth and development of furniture manufacturing businesses, including:
Applicants must meet the following key criteria to be considered for the Furniture Fund:
Applications to the Furniture Fund are submitted through the NEF’s standard funding application process:
Before applying, ensure you have the following documents and information ready:
You likely qualify if:
You likely do not qualify if:
For enquiries about the Furniture Fund, contact the National Empowerment Fund:
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:
enquiries@nefcorp.co.za
Contact Numbers:
0861 843 633 / 011 305 8000
Use the following tools to help you apply:
