Comprehensive Overview of the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP)
South Africa’s Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP), administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is designed to strengthen the competitiveness and growth of local manufacturing businesses. The Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP) aims to foster innovation and sustain local industry. The programme provides grant funding of up to R10 million on a cost-sharing basis, enabling manufacturers to invest in productive assets that expand capacity, improve efficiency, and support long-term industrial growth. Through the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP), businesses can access critical funding for essential upgrades.
Eligible applicants must be South African registered entities actively engaged in manufacturing activities. While the MSP is often viewed simply as a grant programme, its real impact lies in the role it plays within a broader industrial investment strategy. Furthermore, the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP) is integral to enhancing South Africa’s industrial base.
The Opportunity Behind the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP)
Manufacturing businesses looking to scale operations frequently require capital for investments such as: Utilising the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP) can help streamline operations effectively.
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New production machinery and equipment
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Factory upgrades and expansion
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Process automation and productivity improvements
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Industrial technology adoption
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Modernisation of existing production facilities
The MSP can significantly reduce the capital burden associated with these investments, enabling manufacturers to expand without carrying the full cost of the project on their balance sheet. With the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP), companies can improve their competitive edge. But like many industrial funding programmes, accessing MSP funding requires more than submitting an application.
It requires a properly structured investment project.
Uzenzele’s Approach to the Manufacturing Support Programme
Uzenzele works with manufacturing businesses to transform expansion plans into investment-ready industrial projects. Rather than approaching MSP as a standalone grant, the programme is positioned within a broader capital strategy that aligns incentives, finance, and project economics. The process begins with a Finance Readiness Audit, where the business and its proposed investment are assessed against the requirements of both government incentive programmes and institutional capital providers. Our experience with the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP) enables us to guide clients towards success.
From there, Uzenzele assists with:
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Structuring the full capital stack for the project
Leveraging the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP) can unlock new growth avenues.
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Aligning the investment with dtic programme requirements
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Developing robust financial models and projections
We ensure that all aspects align with the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP) requirements.
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Preparing investment-grade project documentation
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Positioning the project for approval and capital deployment
Our team specializes in navigating the complexities of the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP).
The objective is simple: turn expansion ambition into a fundable industrial investment.
Funder & Type of Funding:
Ultimately, the Manufacturing Support Programme (MSP) is a valuable resource for aspiring manufacturers.
- The Dtic
- Grant Fund (rebate)
Funds Available:
- Up to R10 million on a cost sharing basis
- 20% of qualifying costs
- 30% of qualifying costs for entities that are majority (51%+) owned and controlled by women/youth/persons with disabilities
Qualifying Projects:
- New (start-up) manufacturing projects
- Upgrade or expansion of existing manufacturing concerns
Qualifying Costs:
- Machinery and equipment
- Tools, Jogs and Dies
- Raw materials for export product (maximum grant of R500,000)
- Commercial vehicles (maximum grant of R1 million)
- Buildings (maximum grant of R1 million)
- Competitive improvement costs
Requirements:
- South African registered entity
- Minimum Level 4 B-BBEE contributor status
- 50% of inputs with be sourced from SA producers and 10% of inputs from Black SA producers
- Proof of market
- Confirmation of “matched” funding – required for the portion not funded by the grant
How We Help You:
- Develop, prepare and submit applications (including bankable business plan and financial model)
- Application facilitation and management
- Claim preparation, submission, facilitation and drawdown