South Africa has an enormous agriculture industry, which means many agribusiness opportunities exist. There has been a recent surge of small-scale agriculture businesses that have been popping up around South Africa – proving that there is plenty of room for entrepreneurs to establish themselves in this space. 

Previously considered the growth engine of the South African economy, the manufacturing industry has been in decline – with local manufacturers facing multiple challenges.

The manufacturing sector has been an area of focus for the government as it offers the greatest potential for job creation and economic growth.

In 2016 the government launched the Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS) which has the manufacturing sector as a key focus, to help stimulate the manufacturing industry.

Agriculture Funding: Black Industrialist Scheme

Launched in 2015 to fund 100 viable and sustainable projects in need of funding or looking to expand, the Black Industrialist Scheme is an initiative by the Department of Trade and Industry to get more black people involved in the productive sectors of the economy like transport, green industries, agro-processing, biofuels and chemicals. The concept of black industrialists refers to black people who are directly involved in the origination, creation, high-level ownership (>50%), management, control and operation of industrial enterprises that derive value from manufacturing goods and services on a large scale. Eligible Enterprises 

• Majority of black-owned enterprises or those with a predominantly black management team;

• A minimum project value of R30 million

• Generate direct employment/jobs.

• Enterprises with a turnover of at least R1 million and not more than R35 million; and

• The enterprise must have been operating and trading for at least one financial year.

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The following content is sponsored by Company Partners

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Manufacturing Business Ideas in South Africa  

Manufacturing forms an important part of South Africa’s economy. The South African manufacturing sector is large and innovative, with a wide range of opportunities that exist. Budding entrepreneurs should certainly consider entering the manufacturing market, as there is an opportunity for many profitable ventures.   

The manufacturing industry covers a broad sector that focuses on developing and transforming goods. Manufacturing includes any industry that creates products from raw materials using labour, machinery, tools, or chemical and biological processing.    

Manufacturing is not only focused on the use of raw materials. Manufacturing can also include any industry that makes a significant material transformation of products. This could even include installations and repairs of equipment and machinery.   

Manufacturing can be done at a large industrial scale, or it can be done at a small scale as part of the informal economy. 

Need Working Capital? For a Free Quote for Business Funding, visit SME South Africa. 

+20 Business Funding Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in the Agricultural Sector

Find the right fund for your agriculture business. Choose from debt financing and venture capital, to government grants & incentives and prizes.

Get a full list of agricultural funds for the following categories/businesses:

• Field crop farming

• Animal production

• Dairy farming

• Food & agricultural value chain

• Agro-processing

PLUS – Niche funds for Black and Women-owned agriculture businesses