South African exporters have until Friday to apply for Türkiye trade mission
South African businesses seeking to expand into international markets have until 30 October 2026 to apply for funding to participate in an outward selling mission to Türkiye scheduled for 3–9 December.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is inviting export-ready companies to join the mission, which aims to promote South African value-added products and services in the Turkish market.
The programme will include a business seminar, business-to-business meetings and site visits, providing participating companies with opportunities to engage potential buyers and explore commercial partnerships.
Industrial sectors targeted
The mission is aimed at businesses operating in four sectors: machinery, electrotechnical products, defence and capital equipment.
Eligible companies can apply for assistance through the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme. The dtic says support may cover return economy-class airfare up to a predetermined limit, daily bed-and-breakfast accommodation within specified limits, and up to R2,500 per delegate for excess luggage to transport product samples.
To qualify, applicants must have been operating for at least two years, demonstrate a proven business track record and be competitive in the South African market. They must also be export-ready or have previous export experience and be capable of fulfilling orders arising from the mission.
Applicants must hold a valid and active tax clearance certificate and a compliant B-BBEE certificate at level 1–8.
Application requirements and deadline
Complete EMIA applications, including all supporting documents, must be submitted electronically by 30 October 2026.
Applications must be sent to OSMTurkey2026@thedtic.gov.za in a ZIP folder, with the email subject line identifying the event and its dates. The department will process only one application per email and will not accept WeTransfer or similar file-sharing links.
Businesses seeking clarification on EMIA funding can contact Ernest Selota at ESelota@thedtic.gov.za or 012 394 1995. Export-related enquiries can be directed to Seth Pule at spule@thedtic.gov.za or 012 394 3087. Neither contact address should be used to submit applications.
For South African companies looking to diversify their export markets, the mission offers a structured opportunity to explore demand for locally produced goods and services beyond the domestic market.
Source: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). Read the official announcement here.
