Fund Name

Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP)

Agency

the dtic

Type

Grants & Incentives

Sector

Manufacturing

Summary

The Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP), administered by the dtic, is a key incentive programme supporting South Africa’s manufacturing sector. It is available to South African registered entities engaged in manufacturing activities classified under Standard Industrial Classification code SIC 3. The programme targets new projects as well as expansions of existing manufacturing operations.

The MSP provides a reimbursable grant of up to 20% on qualifying capital expenditure and raw material costs, with a maximum grant of R10 million over a two-year investment period. For projects owned and controlled by Women, Youth, or Persons with Disabilities (at least 51%), the grant rate is enhanced to 30%.

The programme is structured around three components: Competitiveness Improvements (improving processes, quality, skills, technology, energy efficiency through business development services); Green Technology and Resource Efficiency Improvements; and Production Capacity Expansion or New Projects. Consultant fees for competitiveness improvements are capped at R1 million.

The programme’s objectives align with national industrial policy goals: promoting operational efficiency and competitiveness, encouraging transformation by supporting enterprises owned by Black persons, Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities, creating and sustaining employment, and promoting localisation through use of locally produced inputs and machinery.

All applicants must comply with mandatory requirements outlined in paragraph 4 of the MSP guidelines and must adhere to all legislative requirements governing the manufacturing sector. Applications and full supporting documents must be submitted by email to the MSP applications address.

Who this is for?

The MSP is available to:

  • South African registered entities engaged in manufacturing activities under SIC code 3.
  • Companies undertaking new manufacturing projects or expansion of existing manufacturing operations.
  • Entities seeking to improve competitiveness, adopt green technologies, or expand production capacity.
  • Businesses owned and managed by Women, Youth, and/or Persons with Disabilities (who qualify for the enhanced 30% grant rate).
  • Black-owned, women-owned, youth-owned and disability-owned enterprises are specifically encouraged to apply under the programme’s transformation objectives.

What support/funding you can get

Capital Expenditure and Raw Materials Grant:

  • Up to 20% reimbursable grant on qualifying capital expenditure and raw material costs.
  • Enhanced rate of 30% for projects at least 51% owned and controlled/managed by Women, Youth, and/or Persons with Disabilities.
  • Maximum grant: R10 million over a two-year investment period.
  • Last claim must be submitted within six months after the final approved milestone.

Competitiveness Improvements Grant:

  • Covers costs of improving processes, products, quality standards, skills development, technology transfer, waste management, and energy efficiency.
  • Consultant fees/costs for competitiveness improvements capped at R1 million.

What you can use it for?

The MSP supports the following qualifying cost categories:

  • Capital expenditure: Machinery and equipment directly related to manufacturing production
  • Raw materials: Locally produced inputs and raw materials used in manufacturing
  • Competitiveness improvements: Costs for improving manufacturing processes, product quality, quality standards, and related skills development
  • Registration and validation requirements and licensing costs
  • Technology transfer costs
  • Waste management and energy efficiency improvements
  • Business development services related to manufacturing competitiveness (consultant fees, capped at R1 million)
  • Green technology and resource efficiency improvements

Key requirements and conditions

To qualify for the MSP:

  • The applicant must be a South African registered entity.
  • The entity must be engaged in manufacturing activities under SIC code 3.
  • The project must be a new manufacturing project or an expansion of an existing manufacturing operation.
  • All applicants must comply with mandatory requirements in paragraph 4 of the MSP guidelines.
  • All applicants must adhere to legislative requirements governing the manufacturing sector.
  • The application and all required supporting documents must be submitted before incurring costs (reimbursable grant — costs are claimed after being incurred).
  • Claims must be submitted within six months of the final approved milestone.
  • For the enhanced 30% grant rate, the project must be at least 51% owned and controlled/managed by Women, Youth, and/or Persons with Disabilities.

How the application works

  1. Download and review the MSP Guidelines and the Interpretation Note 01/2025 to confirm eligibility.
  2. Download the MSP Application Form and relevant Annexures from the dtic website. Follow the instructions in the document saving guide to correctly download and save the forms.
  3. Complete the application form and compile all required supporting documents.
  4. Submit the complete application package by email to: MSPapplications@thedtic.gov.za
  5. Await approval and milestone confirmation from the dtic.
  6. Incur qualifying expenditure in accordance with the approved milestones.
  7. Submit claims using the MSP Claim Form along with supporting documentation (invoices, asset lists, employment lists, factual findings report) within six months of the final approved milestone.

What to prepare before you start

  • Company registration documents (South African registered entity)
  • Proof of manufacturing activities under SIC code 3
  • Tax clearance certificate
  • B-BBEE certificate (if applicable)
  • Detailed project plan for the new or expansion manufacturing project
  • Detailed budget and cost estimates for qualifying capital expenditure and raw materials
  • Proof of ownership structure (especially for Women, Youth, or Disability-owned enterprises applying for the 30% rate)
  • Financial statements
  • Employment plan showing current and projected employment
  • Completed MSP Application Form and all required annexures

Am I a fit for this particular fund?

You likely qualify if:

  • You are a South African registered manufacturer (SIC code 3)
  • You are investing in a new manufacturing project or expanding an existing one
  • You are purchasing capital equipment or raw materials directly related to manufacturing production
  • You are seeking to improve your manufacturing competitiveness, adopt green technology, or improve energy efficiency
  • Your business is owned and managed by Women, Youth, or Persons with Disabilities (enhanced 30% grant rate)
  • You can comply with all legislative requirements governing your manufacturing sector

You likely do not qualify if:

  • You are not a South African registered entity
  • You are not engaged in manufacturing activities under SIC code 3
  • Your project is not a new manufacturing project or a manufacturing expansion
  • You cannot comply with the mandatory requirements in the MSP guidelines

Quick facts

Overview

Who this is for

Type of support

Funding parameters

What the support can be used for

Capital expenditure (machinery, equipment), raw materials, competitiveness improvements, green technology, resource efficiency, business development services (consultant fees capped at R1 million)

Information you will need to provide

Applicants must provide a detailed project plan, budget, cost breakdown of qualifying capital expenditure and raw materials, proof of manufacturing operations under SIC code 3, employment plan, and financial statements. All mandatory requirements in paragraph 4 of the MSP guidelines must be met.

Key requirements and conditions

No specific collaboration requirement. However, the programme encourages localisation through the use of locally produced inputs, raw materials, and machinery. Transformation objectives reward enterprises owned by Black persons, Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities.

How it works

Application support

Competitiveness improvements consultant fees are supported but capped at R1 million per application

Contact and routing

Ms Bernice Clacher: BClacher@thedtic.gov.za | 012 394 1263; Ms Morateng Tyhali: MTyhali@thedti.gov.za | 012 394 1200

Additional information

An Interpretation Note 01/2025 has been issued for the MSP guidelines — applicants should review this note. Application forms must be saved correctly as per the dtic’s document saving guide to avoid submission issues.

Contact and routing

Applications: Email complete application and supporting documents to: MSPapplications@thedtic.gov.za

Enquiries:

Application Considerations:

What You Need to Prepare Before Applying

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)

  • Company registration documents
  • Ownership and shareholder information
  • Business plan or project description
  • Recent financial statements or management accounts
  • Project budget and cost breakdown

Project‑specific documents (depending on the fund)

  • Quotes for equipment, infrastructure, or services
  • Feasibility study or technical proposal (where required)
  • Energy solution proposal (for energy‑related funds)
  • Export contracts or buyer information (for export and insurance products)
  • Job creation plan (where applicable)
  • Turnaround or recovery plan (for distress funding)

Additional requirements

  • Proof of sector compliance or permits (where relevant)
  • Evidence of co‑funding or financing approvals (for grants and blended funding)
  • Any templates or declarations specified by the administering agency

What Happens After You Apply

  1. Completeness check – your submission is reviewed to ensure all required documents are included.
  2. Eligibility assessment – the agency confirms that you meet the fund’s basic criteria.
  3. Technical and financial review – your project and financials are evaluated.
  4. Decision and contracting – approved applications proceed to contracting and implementation.

Timelines vary by fund and depend heavily on the quality and completeness of your application.

Important Notes for Applicants

  • Approval is not guaranteed, even if all requirements are met.
  • Funding terms may be subject to final agency approval and conditions.
  • Submitting accurate and complete information is critical.
  • Misrepresentation or incomplete information can result in delays or rejection.

Interested in this fund or have some questions?

Northern Cape, Free State & Mpumalanga Provinces (NFM)

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

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