The Export Marketing and Investment Assistance scheme reimburses a share of the cost of exploring and developing export markets: exhibiting at international trade shows, market research, and outward-bound trade missions. For a small manufacturer or producer testing an export market, it materially lowers the cost of finding out whether the market is real.
It is one of the more accessible incentives, because the amounts are smaller and the process is more routine than capital grants.
What is reimbursed
Costs associated with individual participation in approved trade shows and missions, and in some categories, in-market business research to test demand before committing capital.
It is a reimbursement rather than upfront funding, so you pay first and claim back an approved share against receipts, which means cash flow to cover the initial spend still has to come from somewhere.
Who qualifies
South African registered manufacturers and producers with an exportable product or service, in good standing with current annual returns at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and tax compliance.
The activity must be genuinely export-oriented. A domestic marketing trip dressed up as an export mission will not qualify, and claims are checked against what was actually approved beforehand.
Apply before you travel, not after
Approval is required in advance of the activity, not retrospectively. Submitting receipts for a trip already taken, without prior approval, is the most common reason a claim is declined.
Build the lead time into your planning: identify the show or mission, apply, get approval, then commit to travel and exhibition costs.
Where to apply and what else helps
Applications and current qualifying criteria are administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, which also runs group participation in major international trade shows at lower cost than exhibiting alone.
Before committing to a market, our guide to exporting a consumer brand covers compliance, labelling and route-to-market questions that this scheme does not address.
Frequently asked questions
What does this scheme actually pay for?
A share of the cost of exhibiting at approved trade shows, market research and outward trade missions, reimbursed after the fact.
Do I pay upfront?
Yes. It is a reimbursement against an approved share of receipts, not upfront funding, so cash flow for the initial spend is still yours to find.
When must I apply?
Before the activity, not after. Claiming for a trip already taken without prior approval is the most common reason for rejection.
Who qualifies?
Registered South African manufacturers and producers with an exportable product, in good standing on registration and tax.
Where do I apply?
Through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, which also runs group participation in major trade shows.
Further reading
Originally published in May 2018. Updated September 2026 to explain how export marketing assistance works and how to claim it correctly.
