OPPORTUNITY: DTIC opens applications for high-impact trade and investment mission to India
As the SA Trade Desk, we are constantly tracking strategic gateways that allow South African enterprises to scale globally, diversify their export footprints, and establish powerful bilateral networks. One of the most significant opportunities of the year has just been announced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
Applications are now officially open for South African companies seeking state-funded support to participate in the upcoming Outward Selling and Investment Mission (OSIM) to India, running from 2 to 11 September 2026.
This multi-city trade mission is designed to promote South African value-added goods and services while aggressively attracting foreign direct investment. The itinerary will kick off in the financial hub of Mumbai and conclude in New Delhi, strategically timed to take place on the margins of the highly anticipated BRICS engagements.
For local businesses, this mission offers an invaluable trifecta of commercial access: high-level Business Seminars, structured B2B matchmaking meetings with Indian counterparties, and targeted industrial site visits.
Targeted Industrial Sectors
the dtic has earmarked specific, high-yielding industrial sectors for this mission. If your business operates in any of the following fields, this platform is tailor-made for your growth:
- Industrial Chemicals
- Machinery
- Mining Equipment and Technologies
- Electrotechnical
- Aerospace, Maritime, and Defence
Capital Incentives: What the dtic Will Fund
To alleviate the financial friction of international market entry, the dtic is offering robust financial assistance through the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme for qualifying firms:
| Benefit Type | Funding Cap / Coverage | Target Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Air Travel Assistance | Up to R20,000 | SMEs and Black-Owned Enterprises only |
| Daily Subsistence Allowance | Up to R3,500 per day | SMMEs and Black-Owned Enterprises only |
| Exhibition Infrastructure | 100% covered (Space & booth rental) | All qualifying firms |
| Logistics Support | 100% covered (Freight forwarding of display material) | All qualifying firms |
Strict Qualification Criteria
The EMIA funding framework is highly competitive and structured to favor firms with established operational runways. To qualify, your entity must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Operational History: Must have been in active business for at least two consecutive years with a proven commercial track record.
- Market Readiness: Competitiveness in the domestic South African market is mandatory; your firm must be certified “export-ready” or have formal historical export experience.
- Supply Chain Capacity: Demonstrable operational capacity to timeously fulfill and supply any international export orders resulting from the Indian mission.
- Compliance Baseline: Must hold a valid, active tax clearance certificate alongside a compliant B-BBEE contributor certificate (Levels 1 through 8).
How to Apply (Crucial Submission Guidelines)
The application protocol has explicit digital formatting rules. Failure to adhere to these will result in immediate disqualification by the administrative team:
- The Address: All completed EMIA applications must be emailed directly to OSMindia2026@thedtic.gov.za (do not copy general enquiry mailboxes).
- The Format: Applications must be sent as a single ZIP folder.
- The Rule on Links: No WeTransfer, Dropbox, or similar file-sharing links are permitted. Due to expiry risks and internal tracking compliance, cloud links will be ignored.
- The Subject Line: You must explicitly include the event name and date in the email subject line.
- Submission Volume: Submit only one application per email.
Hard Deadline: Applications close strictly on 10 July 2026. Given the extensive documentation required for EMIA clearance, the SA Trade Desk strongly advises starting your collation process immediately.
Direct Enquiries:
- For EMIA Funding Queries: Contact Ms. Nono Rakgalakane via email at NRakgalakane@thedtic.gov.za or call 012 394 5970.
- For Export Promotion Queries: Contact Ms. Munzhedzi Mahosi via email at MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za or call 012 394 5645.
