As a key implementing agency of industrial policy, the IDC’s activities currently centre on the National Development Plan (NDP), the New Growth Path (NGP) and the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP). We identify sector development opportunities aligned with policy objectives and develop projects in partnership with stakeholders. By developing industrial capacity, the IDC achieves specific outcomes, such as facilitating job creation through the companies we fund.

In addition, IDC funding promotes regional development and integration, economic empowerment of communities and growing black industrialists. The IDC remains committed to promoting environmentally sustainable growth and increasing sectoral diversity to boost the local production of goods. It also plays a critical role through its subsidiary, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa), in promoting entrepreneurial development and growing the SME sector.

The IDC has contributed to the implementation of South Africa’s industrial policy for more than 80 years and established, among others, the Petro-chemicals, and minerals beneficiation industries. We have stimulated large industrial projects in these industries – acknowledged today as the cornerstones of the country’s manufacturing sector – and influenced the establishment of industries in fabricated metals, agriculture and clothing and textiles.

During the 1990s, our mandate was expanded to include investment in the rest of Africa. Currently, our investments in Africa include mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and telecommunications. The IDC’s funding is generated through income from loan and equity investments and exits from mature investments and borrowings from commercial banks, development finance institutions (DFIs), and other lenders. We align our priorities with government’s policy direction and remain committed to developing the country’s industrial capacity and playing a major role in facilitating job creation through industrialisation.