Downstream Steel Industry Competitiveness Fund (DSCIF)
Applicants must operate in a target sector and meet at least one of the stated B-BBEE, black ownership or capacity and job creation criteria; job creation is prioritized and saved jobs are considered.
Check dates with the provider
Incentive
Check the current application cycle
Use the official portal for dates and requirements.
About
The fund provides interest subsidies and guarantee support to qualifying steel-intensive businesses. It supports start-ups and expanding enterprises in sectors such as foundries, fabrication, steel-intensive manufacturing and capital equipment. Funding can support equipment upgrades, expansion, working capital, quality certification, process improvements and product testing.
What it covers
- Modernization or quality-assurance upgrades of plant machinery and equipment
- Capacity expansion
- Process improvements, cost efficiency, productivity and plant optimization
- Working capital or revolving facilities
- Industry quality certification and standards, including environmental standards
- Prototype development and testing, and new product testing and certification
- Guarantees and subsidies on guarantee fees
Who can apply
Applicant may be a start-up or expanding enterprise.
Operate in a target sector, including foundries, fabrication, steel-intensive parts and components, valves and pumps, machining, or steel-intensive capital equipment.
Create net additional employment to receive priority; saved jobs may also be considered.
Achieve B-BBEE Level 4 or submit a plan to achieve it within 36 months; or be at least 50% Black-owned; or seek funding for increased capacity or job creation without causing monopolization in the metals value chain.
Large multinationals and assemblers already benefiting from a specific government support programme, pilot plants, integrated steel mills, and component manufacturers qualifying for other incentives are excluded.
Sources
Official sourceIndustrial Development Corporation (IDC)Checked against www.idc.co.za on 17 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.