Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC)

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a self-financing, state-owned development finance institution established in 1940 to promote economic growth and industrialisation in South Africa. The IDC is headquartered in Sandton and reports to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Registered name

Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC)

Type

State-owned development finance institution

Fields funded

Fields linked to industrial development and development finance

Website

idc.co.za

Phone

+27 11 269 3000

Ten industry sectors

The IDC supports development goals across 10 industry sectors, including agro-processing and agriculture, automotive and transport equipment, and chemicals, among others. The IDC also runs an online hub that helps businesses find and review government-funded financial support programmes.

The IDC’s research shows where it sees opportunity. One IDC study looked for openings in the new energy vehicle market outside the mainstream car manufacturers’ supply chains, which points to growth areas for engineers and industrial specialists.

Beyond finance

The IDC’s recent work includes disaster relief. After flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, the IDC worked with the Imbumba Foundation, the IT Labs Foundation and the Collen Mashawana Foundation to help affected families, including in KwaMhluntu, and the IDC donated to Gift of the Givers and the Solidarity Fund. The IDC also supports the TVET college sector to address youth unemployment.

The IDC bursary

BursariesAfrica’s earlier guide describes the IDC bursary as one of the largest and most sought-after external bursary schemes in the country. That popularity means heavy competition, so applicants need strong results and well-prepared applications.

Our IDC guide has not been refreshed with 2027 dates, so confirm the current call on idc.co.za.

How to research the IDC before applying

Choose one of the IDC’s 10 sectors that matches your studies and read about IDC-funded projects in it. An engineering student could discuss new energy vehicle components, while a finance student could discuss how development finance differs from commercial lending.

Ask the IDC which fields the bursary will fund in 2027, whether bursars do vacation work and whether any service obligation applies. TVET students should ask whether the IDC’s TVET support includes funding for students.

The IDC’s funding decisions depend on analysts who assess whether a factory, farm or mine project is viable, so economics, finance and engineering graduates all find roles in development finance. Ask the IDC which of those roles bursars usually move into.

See our Commerce Bursaries page for other finance-sector funders.