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R&D Tax Incentive Programme (Section 11D)

R&D Tax Incentive Programme (Section 11D)

Offers South African companies an enhanced deduction for qualifying innovation spending through the innovation tax regime.

South Africa's R&D Tax Incentive Programme, established under Section 11D of the Income Tax Act, allows qualifying private-sector companies to deduct 150% of eligible research and development expenditure against taxable income. The enhanced deduction rate — 50 percentage points above the standard 100% deduction — effectively reduces the after-tax cost of qualifying R&D activity. The programme is a…

Allows South African companies to deduct 150% of qualifying R&D expenditure against taxable income under Section 11D, upon pre-approval of eligible activities by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Tax credit
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.dst.gov.za