The Sector Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS), administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is designed to develop South African emerging exporters by compensating qualifying organisations for approved activities, particularly participation in physical and digital trade events. The scheme is a key instrument in broadening South Africa’s export base and stimulating job creation through increased exports.
Organisations that may be supported under SSAS include Export Councils, Joint Action Groups (JAGs), SEDA, Provincial Investment and Economic Development Agencies, and Industry Associations that are directly involved in the development of emerging exporters.
The SSAS Project Funding component is structured as a reimbursable 80:20 cost-sharing grant. Projects must be focused on improving sector export performance and/or emerging exporter capabilities, and must be developmental and/or promotional in nature. A project is defined as a collection of specific tasks to achieve measurable outcomes and milestones within a defined short-term period.
The scheme places a strong emphasis on transformation and broad participation, specifically targeting women, youth, and majority-owned enterprises by people with disabilities, as well as historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) and SMMEs. Any research, studies, or databases obtained through funded projects become the property of the dtic.
Application components include Individual Application Forms, Project Coordinator Application Forms, and separate Project Funding Guidelines and Checklists, all available for download from the dtic website.
SSAS is intended for organisations involved in the development of South African emerging exporters, including:
Individual emerging exporters may also apply for participation support under the Individual component of the scheme.
SSAS provides two types of support:
Funding covers approved project activities aimed at improving sector export performance or emerging exporter capabilities.
Eligible uses of SSAS funding include:
Note: Research, studies undertaken, and databases obtained through funded projects become the property of the dtic.
Key eligibility and conditions for SSAS include:
The SSAS application process works as follows:
Before applying, prepare the following:
You are likely a fit if:
You are likely not a fit if:
Applicants must provide details of the proposed project or event, including specific tasks, measurable outcomes, milestones, timeline, and associated qualifying costs. Projects must benefit the sector as a whole or specific value chains within sectors in line with SSAS objectives.
SSAS encourages collaboration among Export Councils, Joint Action Groups, Industry Associations, and other qualifying bodies working together to develop emerging exporters. The Project Coordinator is responsible for coordinating participation among qualifying emerging exporters.
SSAS Contacts:
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:
