The ECIC Investment Insurance product targets South African business entities that want to invest in foreign countries. It covers acquisitions, equity contributions, and shareholder loans against political risk events only — commercial risks are not covered under this product.
The political risks covered include: expropriation, nationalisation, or confiscation of the insured investment (including creeping expropriation that causes the foreign business to be unable to operate for at least one year or produce profits for three consecutive years); war (including civil war, rebellion, revolution, or insurrection causing the business to be unable to operate for at least one year or produce profits for three consecutive years); and transfer risk (loss due to any action by the foreign government that prevents, restricts, or controls the transfer of the investment, shareholder loan, dividends, or interest payments from the foreign country to South Africa for a period of at least 365 days).
ECIC indemnification is limited to 90% of the loss suffered by the investor. The premium payable under the investment insurance cover takes into account the risk events in the host country, the investment period to be covered, and the scope of the covered political risk events.
To qualify, the investment or shareholder loan must be a new or additional investment, the South African entity must hold at least 10% of the paid-up share capital with voting rights in the foreign entity, and approval must be obtained from the host country government (where applicable) and the South African Reserve Bank.
Investment Insurance is available to:
The product is not available for purely domestic investments — it specifically targets outbound investment from South Africa into foreign markets.
ECIC Investment Insurance provides an indemnity (not a loan or grant) against qualifying political risk losses:
Investment Insurance covers the following types of outbound South African investment:
The investment may relate to a new project, the expansion or financial restructuring of an existing project, or an acquisition involving the privatisation of a state-owned enterprise in the foreign country.
Cover is strictly against political risks only: expropriation/nationalisation (including creeping expropriation), war and civil disturbance, and transfer restriction/inconvertibility.
To qualify for Investment Insurance, the following criteria must be met:
Applications for Investment Insurance should be submitted directly to ECIC:
Before applying for Investment Insurance, prepare the following:
Use this checklist to assess whether Investment Insurance is suitable for your situation:
Applicants must provide: investment type, amount, and currency; foreign entity details and ownership structure; host country information; confirmation of South African Reserve Bank approval; evidence of minimum 10% paid-up voting share capital; investment period; and business plan or feasibility documentation for new projects.
The South African entity must hold at least 10% of the paid-up share capital with voting rights in the foreign entity, with adequate protection of minority rights. Approval from the host country government (where applicable) and the South African Reserve Bank is required.
To apply for ECIC Investment Insurance or to request more information, contact ECIC directly:
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:
