Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP)
Applicants must be registered legal entities, meet tax and financial requirements, and ensure beneficiary businesses are based in the Western Cape.
Check dates with the provider
Grant Western Cape
Check the current application cycle
Use the official portal for dates and requirements.
About
ECEP provides financial assistance and support to potential and existing exporters, and to intermediaries or organisations that help businesses export. It supports interventions that address technical challenges and help businesses diversify and access international markets.
What it covers
- Product reformulation and refinement.
- International packaging, labelling, and printing requirements.
- International product testing, certification, standards, registration, and nutritional analysis.
- Special handling services or permits required for export.
- E-commerce platform listing.
- Equipment and machinery that supports the export process.
Who can apply
Be a registered legal entity.
Be tax compliant at application time.
Businesses must be registered in South Africa and based in the Western Cape; intermediaries may be based elsewhere in South Africa, but their beneficiary businesses must be in the Western Cape.
Submit unqualified audited or independently reviewed financial statements, or compiled financial statements, for the two most recent financial years, where applicable.
Show own or third-party funding for the proposed intervention, confirmed in writing by an authorised executive.
Intermediaries must provide a beneficiary database and proof of address for beneficiary businesses.
Documents to prepare
Applicable registration or incorporation documentation.
Valid Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN.
Proof of address.
Financial statements for the two most recent financial years, where applicable.
Signed confirmation from an authorised executive of own or third-party funding.
For intermediaries, a beneficiary database and proof of address for beneficiary businesses.
How to apply
- 1Review the call for proposal and its eligibility criteria, requirements, and guidelines.
- 2Submit an application through the online application portal.
- 3Complete the required sections and follow the portal’s step-by-step instructions.
Sources
Official sourceWestern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT)Checked against www.westerncape.gov.za on 24 Oct 2026. Govnet is independent — always confirm with the provider.