News / Funding and opportunities
R100 billion Transformation Fund: not open for applications yet
The Transformation Fund still has no application process and the B-BBEE code changes behind it are still drafts, so nobody can apply for you yet.
- Who it affects
- Black-owned businesses hoping for funding, and larger businesses that must meet B-BBEE targets
- Last official step
- Draft B-BBEE codes gazetted 29 January 2026
- Action
- Do not pay anyone to apply. Watch the dtic and NEF for an official application process
- Official source
- the dtic: Draft Statement 400 of 2026
- Last checked
- 22 September 2026
What changed
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) plans a R100 billion Transformation Fund to finance black-owned businesses. It aims to raise about R20 billion a year over five years. The money is meant to come from business, mainly through Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rules, together with government. The fund was officially launched on 5 May 2025. A partnership between government and business will run it, overseen by a nine-member committee.
On 29 January 2026 the dtic gazetted draft changes to the B-BBEE codes (Government Gazette 54032, Notice 3743). They would let larger companies pay 3% of net profit after tax into the Transformation Fund. This would replace their separate enterprise and supplier development spending, and they would still earn scorecard points. The 60-day comment period has closed.
When we last checked, the final codes had not been published and there was no official way for businesses to apply.
Who it affects
Black-owned businesses looking for funding. The fund is aimed at you, but there is nothing to apply for yet.
Larger businesses measured on B-BBEE. Once final, the new codes could change how you meet your enterprise and supplier development targets.
What to do
- Do not pay anyone who offers to get you Transformation Fund money. There is no application process yet. Any fee, form or “agent” claiming otherwise is not official.
- Get ready for any funder, not just this one: keep your CIPC registration and SARS tax status up to date, keep proper financial records, and have a current business plan.
- In the meantime, look at funders that are open now, such as the National Empowerment Fund (NEF).
- Check the dtic and NEF websites for an official announcement. We will publish it here when there is one.
Where to find out more
Digitise SA does not charge to list opportunities and no genuine funder charges you to apply. If anyone asks you for money to apply or to release funding, do not pay.
Updated on 22 September 2026: rewritten to reflect the fund's current status. First published 7 February 2025.
This update is general information, checked against the official source on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and dates can change, so confirm with the official source or a qualified adviser before you act.