Who can help

DTI: one-stop investment shop

Go to the Department of Trade and Industry The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provides a one-stop shop for investors, offering a variety of services to those interested in conducting business in South Africa - ranging from details on how to do business in the country to the different forms that businesses can take.

Investment facilitation services for international investors include:

  • Information on South Africa's sectors and industries.
  • Consultation on South Africa's regulatory environment.
  • Facilitation of investment missions.
  • Links to joint venture partners in South Africa.
  • Information on incentive packages for investors.
  • Assistance with work permits.
  • Logistical support for relocation to South Africa.
Inquiries are channelled through the DTI Customer Care Centre on:
  • 0861 843 384 (local callers)
  • +27 (0)11 254 9405 (international callers)
Boosting investment
The DTI has adopted a three-pronged strategy to boost investment in South Africa:
  • The development of industrial development zones (IDZs): duty-free processing zones around coastal or inland ports, for dedicated exporters.
  • The development of special incentive packages for investors.
  • Policy input for the creation of an investor-friendly environment.
While investment opportunities abound in all sectors of the economy, the DTI concentrates on those sectors in which South Africa has strong competitive advantages. The DTI's sector specialists have a clear understanding of and access to South Africa's various industries, and can therefore provide sound advice.

The department also co-ordinates provincial initiatives to match investors' requirements with opportunities available in South Africa's nine provinces.

On the export side, the DTI focuses on secondary or manufacturing industries and the development of small businesses.

DTI group of institutions
The DTI is a federation of bodies, not a single institution. The group is divided into three main clusters, namely development finance, regulatory and specialist services. Some of the major organisations within the group of institutions are listed below.

Go to the Industrial Development Corporation Industrial Development Corporation
The state-owned Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC) promotes industrial development by offering a range of financing facilities to help private sector entrepreneurs set up manufacturing concerns in South Africa and the Southern African region. The IDC provides development capital to new and existing undertakings, usually in the form of low-interest, medium- to long-term loans for acquiring fixed assets.

Khula Enterprise Finance Limited
Khula is a limited liability company with Department of Trade and Industry as a major shareholder. Khula facilitates the provision of loan and equity capital to small, medium and micro enterprises through the medium of Retail Financial Intermediaries. Its offerings include to credit guarantee schemes.

Ntsika Enterprise Promotion Agency
Ntsika is a government agency set up to render non-financial support services to small, medium and micro enterprises. Its programmes include local business service centres, counselling, advice and technical support, skills training, tender advice, access to technology and a mentorship programme.

National Empowerment Fund
The business of the NEF Corporation is to promote savings and investments among historically disadvantaged people through its retail division, and to fund economic empowerment and black business through its investments division. Print this page Send this article to a friend