Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) - Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme (EMIA)

This scheme aims to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.

It provides marketing assistance to develop and grow export markets, funds marketing research and assist with patent registration, quality marks and product marks. It also focuses on foreign direct investment as well (funding missions and research). 

You pay upfront for the costs and then claim back from the department as per the terms of the agreement. Note that events taking place between the 10th of December and 10th of January are not eligible for funding. In most cases, this scheme will require your business to have existed for at least one year.

Below are the details of what costs are eligible:

Individual exhibition participation

• Transport of samples.
• Rental of exhibition space.
• Construction of stands.
• Interpretation fees.
• Internet connection.
• Telephone installation.
• Subsistence allowance per day.
• Return economy-class airfare.
• Exhibition fees up to a maximum of R50 000.

Primary market research and foreign direct investment

Exporters will be compensated for costs incurred by recruiting in new FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) into South Africa through personal contact by visiting potential investors in foreign countries.

• Return economy-class airfare.
• Subsistence allowance per day.
• Transport of samples.
• Marketing material.

Individual inward missions

Assistance is provided to South African businesses and organisations that are organising an inward buying investor, to make contact with them to conclude an exporter's order or to attract foreign direct investment.

• Registration of a patent in a foreign market: 50% of the additional costs capped at R100 000 pa.
• Return economy class-airfare.
• Subsistence allowance per day.
• Rental of exhibition space.
• Eligible organisations:
• South African manufactures and exporters;
• South African export trading houses representing at least three SMMEs or businesses owned by Historical Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs);
• South African commission agents representing at least three SMMEs/HDI-owned businesses; and
• South African exports councils, industry associations and JAGs representing at least five South African entities.

Application process

It is important to read through the FAQ and the programme guidelines document prior to submitting an application as there are many restrictions and processes that you will need to take into account.

Please also check that you apply in time as the applications can take time to be processed and approved, and you must have been approved for this incentive before you confirm flights etc. Download the relevant application form.