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).
Export Marketing & Investment Assistance (EMIA)
The EMIA Programme supports South African companies aiming to expand into international markets.
It assists both established and emerging exporters with the costs of participating in trade shows, exhibitions, and foreign investment missions.
Funding may cover
Exhibition rental and stand setup
Sample transportation and marketing materials
Economy-class flights and daily allowances
Patent registration and communication costs
Apply three to six months before the event.
How EMIA support works
Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) partly reimburses South African exporters for the cost of developing export markets, such as exhibiting at international trade shows, market research trips and registering products abroad.
Who qualifies
South African manufacturers and service providers in the dtic's priority sectors
Export trading houses representing at least three South African businesses, and export councils or industry associations with at least five members
Trading for at least one full financial year (there is no minimum turnover)
Tax compliant, with B-BBEE Level 1 to 8
Products with at least 40% local content
What support is available for individual exhibitions
Exhibition costs of up to R65,000 per event, for businesses of any size
For small businesses and businesses at least 51% owned by Black people, women or people with disabilities: 100% of an economy return airfare (up to R20,000), R3,000 a day subsistence for up to 10 days, and sample transport of up to R20,000
Marketing material of up to R7,000 per event for first-time applicants and businesses owned by women, youth or people with disabilities
Group trade missions and national pavilions are also available through Trade and Investment South Africa
Key rules to know before you start
Apply three to six months before the event. Individual exhibition applications are made through the dtic's online portal (OIS).
A business may have up to four successful individual applications a year, plus two more for events in Africa.
Only one representative per event is funded, and cash or third-party payments are not reimbursed.
Claims must be submitted within two months after the event, with a feedback report six months later.
How we handle your application
Eligibility check: we confirm your business and the event qualify, and plan applications around your export calendar.
Application: we prepare your export marketing plan, quotes and supporting documents and submit them on the OIS portal.
Approval: we follow up with the dtic until the application is approved.
Claims: we compile your claim with invoices, proof of payment and travel documents so you are reimbursed quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead must I apply?
Three to six months before the event.
Is there a minimum turnover?
No, but you must have traded for at least one full financial year.
Will EMIA pay for my flights?
Yes, for small businesses and businesses at least 51% owned by Black people, women or people with disabilities: 100% of an economy return airfare up to R20,000, plus R3,000 a day subsistence.
How many trade shows can I attend a year?
Up to four successful individual applications a year, plus two more for events in Africa.
Are local trade shows covered?
Only recognised international exhibitions are covered, and conferences only if you are presenting.
Based on the dtic EMIA guidelines (2021) and the current dtic EMIA programme page. Approval is at the dtic's discretion and subject to available funds.