Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) – Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS)

The Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS) is an incentive programme under the Black Industrialists Policy that aims to unlock the potential of black industrialists operating in the South African economy through targeted financial and non-financial interventions. It offers a cost-sharing grant ranging from 30% to 50% (up to a maximum of R50 million) to approved black-owned, managed and controlled entities in the manufacturing and productive sectors. Support covers capital investment costs, feasibility studies (up to R3 million), post-investment support (up to R500,000), and business development services (up to R2 million). Key focus sectors include blue/ocean economy, oil and gas, clean technology and energy, mineral beneficiation, aerospace/rail/automotive components, industrial infrastructure, ICT, agro-processing, clothing/textiles/leather/footwear, pulp/paper/furniture, chemicals/pharmaceuticals/plastics, nuclear, manufacturing-related logistics, and designated localisation sectors.

Applicants must be a juristic person (including co-operatives incorporated under the Companies Act, 2008) that is owned, managed and controlled by black people (Africans, Coloureds and Indians who are South African citizens) as defined by the B-BBEE Act, with >51% black ownership. Must operate in the manufacturing sector with reference to IPAP and Re-imagined Industrial Strategy focus areas. Must comply with mandatory requirements in paragraph 4 of the BIS guidelines and adhere to relevant legislative requirements. All applicants must be South African.

As of 1 June 2026, all BIS applications must be submitted through the new Online Incentive Solution (OIS) platform. The dtic will no longer accept applications submitted via email. Applicants should refer to the OIS BIS Application User Manual and the Announcement Letter for further information. An Enquiry Number must be obtained before applying (refer to the BIS Enquiry Number Allocation checklist). Claims must be submitted to biclaims@thedtic.gov.za with the required documents including claim form, BIS Claim Annexure, checklist, credit order instruction form, Factual Finding Report by an accredited auditor, asset register, employee list, and invoice reconciliation sheet. For provincial enquiries, contact the relevant regional office: Inland Provinces (nfmbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za), Western Cape/Free State (wcbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za), Eastern Cape/Northern Cape (ecbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za), KwaZulu-Natal/Mpumalanga (kznbienquiries@thedtic.gov.za).