Government Incentive Programmes
At Hilder Consulting, we assist South African businesses in unlocking access to a wide range of government funding opportunities designed to promote investment, competitiveness, and job creation.
Below is a summary of key incentive programmes administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP)
The CIP offers a cost-sharing grant of 10% to 30%, and up to 100% in some cases (capped at R50 million) to support projects that develop essential trade-related infrastructure.
It aims to unlock investment and drive industrial growth.
Examples of qualifying projects
Industrial parks, roads, and bridges
Renewable energy and utility infrastructure
Water, sewer, and telecommunications systems
Applicants need B-BBEE Level 4 or better.
Applications must be submitted before construction begins.
How the CIP grant works
The Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP) is a cost-sharing grant for infrastructure without which an investment would not go ahead, or would not run properly. It lowers the cost of doing business for private companies, industrial parks and municipalities.
Who qualifies
A South African company, close corporation or co-operative, a municipality or a state-owned agency
The infrastructure must be critical to the investment it supports
B-BBEE Level 1 to 4 (qualifying small enterprises may be exempt), with the certificate needed at claim stage
The infrastructure may not already be funded by another dtic incentive
How much funding is available
10% to 30% of qualifying infrastructure costs for most projects, based on economic benefit
Up to 50% for agro-processing projects and for projects that reduce reliance on the national water or electricity grid
Up to 100% for distressed municipalities and state-owned industrial parks
A maximum grant of R50 million
What the grant covers
Bulk water, electricity, roads, bridges and rail sidings
Telecommunications and fibre, pipelines and storage
Shared agricultural infrastructure such as silos, irrigation, boreholes, cold storage and pack houses
Testing facilities and the refurbishment of industrial parks
Manufacturing machinery, office buildings, furniture and maintenance after commissioning are not covered. For machinery, look at the MSP, BIS or APSS.
Key rules to know before you start
Submit a complete application before construction starts.
A dtic official visits the site; work may start after the visit, at your own risk.
An independent adjudication committee decides on each application.
The grant is paid against verified construction milestones, with monitoring reports for two years.
How we handle your application
Eligibility check: we confirm the infrastructure is critical to your investment and estimate the likely grant percentage.
Application: we prepare the application, bill of quantities, budget and timeline, and arrange co-funder and investor letters.
Approval: we prepare you for the site visit and handle the adjudication process.
Claims: we compile each milestone claim and the follow-up monitoring reports.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as critical infrastructure?
Infrastructure without which your investment would not happen or would not run properly, such as bulk water, electricity or an access road.
How much funding can I get?
Usually 10% to 30% of qualifying costs, up to 50% for agro-processing or grid-independence projects, and up to 100% for distressed municipalities or state industrial parks, capped at R50 million.
Can CIP pay for my factory machinery?
No. Machinery is excluded. The MSP, BIS or APSS may cover it instead.
How long does approval take?
The dtic has indicated around 60 working days once the application is complete.
Can I start building before approval?
You must apply before construction starts. You may begin after the dtic site visit, at your own risk.
Based on the dtic CIP programme page and the dtic incentive schemes guide (January 2026). Approval is at the dtic's discretion and subject to available funds.