Export Marketing & Investment Assistance (EMIA) — Kayzi
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Export Marketing & Investment Assistance (EMIA)

Government cost-sharing for SA exporters attending international exhibitions, trade missions and market research.

FundingUp to 50% cost-sharing (varies by activity)
TypeCost-sharing grant (non-repayable)
FunderDepartment of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic)
DeadlineRolling — apply before each qualifying activity
Overview

EMIA helps South African exporters develop international markets by offsetting the cost of trade exhibitions, outward missions, market research, and IP registration abroad. It's a cost-sharing scheme — the business pays first, then claims back the approved portion.

The gates are strict: the business must be trading for at least 1 year (2 years for National Pavilions), exports must be destined for non-SACU countries, and local content in the product must be at least 40%. Sole proprietors and partnerships do not qualify — you must be a registered company or CC.

Kayzi Advisory NoteHigh-value programme for export-ready businesses. Protect it for founders who are genuinely export-ready. The 40% local content and non-SACU destination rules eliminate many applicants upfront.
Key Focus Areas

Business Substance · Contextual Fit · Use of Funds Logic

Who qualifies
  • Business has been trading for at least 1 year (2 years for National Pavilions)
  • Registered as a company or CC (not sole proprietor or partnership)
  • SARS tax compliant
  • Products have at least 40% South African local content
  • Export destination is outside SACU (not Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini)
  • Registered as an exporter with SARS
Who does not qualify
  • Business trading less than 1 year
  • Exports destined for SACU countries
  • Local content below 40%
  • Sole proprietorships or partnerships
  • Businesses primarily providing services (content rules apply differently)
  • Applications submitted after the qualifying activity has taken place
Common rejection reasonNot trading 1+ year; SACU exports excluded; local content below 40%; applications submitted too late.
Key requirements

Company registration documents, SARS tax clearance, proof of trading history (1+ year), proof of exporter registration with SARS, evidence of 40%+ local content, and pre-approval before the qualifying activity (exhibition, mission, or research).

How to apply

Apply through the dtic website before your qualifying export activity. Pre-approval is required — you cannot claim retrospectively for activities you've already attended.

Apply at thedtic.gov.za under the EMIA scheme, or contact the dtic Export Development and Promotion division directly.

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