South Africa’s Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) is targeting greater geographical diversification, increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and stronger partnerships to expand the country’s export competitiveness as it marks 25 years of operations.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration in Johannesburg on November 12, 2026, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau highlighted the corporation’s contribution to economic development, including the creation of more than 87,000 jobs, a R21.7-billion contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and approximately R7.9-billion in tax revenue.
Over the past 25 years, the ECIC has unlocked R1.06-trillion in capital across sectors including mining, rail, power, manufacturing and telecommunications.
Its current portfolio stands at R33.2-billion, supporting major projects across Africa. These include Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia, MTN’s operations in Nigeria, Vodacom in Tanzania, gold mining operations in Tanzania, Sasol’s natural gas pipeline from Mozambique, the Cenpower project in Ghana, the Port of Maputo expansion and the Nacala Rail Corridor in Mozambique.
Tau said the corporation had played an important role in enabling South African businesses to participate in international projects by providing financial risk protection and facilitating investment.
Expanding markets and supporting smaller exporters
ECIC CEO Linda Seroka said the institution’s next phase would focus on increasing its impact through broader market access, stronger partnerships, digitalisation and greater support for exporters.
She identified geographical diversification as a key priority, noting that the corporation’s exposure remained concentrated in Zimbabwe, Ghana and Mozambique.
The ECIC intends to expand its presence across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), other African markets and international destinations.
Large-scale infrastructure, energy, transport, mining and industrial projects will remain central to its strategy. However, the corporation also plans to increase support for SMEs and emerging manufacturers seeking to enter international markets.
Under its 2026–2031 corporate plan, the ECIC aims to increase short-term insurance support to at least R360-million by 2031.
The initiative is expected to improve access to export insurance and working capital for manufacturers entering new markets, black industrialists expanding their businesses and smaller exporters seeking financing to fulfil international orders.
Seroka said the corporation wanted to broaden participation in South African exports and ensure smaller businesses could contribute to industrial development, economic growth and job creation.
Diversification and regional trade integration
Tau said diversifying the ECIC’s geographical exposure was increasingly important amid changing global trade patterns and rising geopolitical risks.
Approximately 88% of the corporation’s exposure is concentrated in three countries, highlighting the need to broaden its investment footprint.
The strategy includes expanding opportunities across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans while strengthening African trade relationships through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The ECIC also intends to leverage its Class A membership of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to strengthen its participation in regional trade and investment.
Tau emphasised that mobilising private capital would be essential to financing export opportunities, with the ECIC expected to provide guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms rather than compete with commercial lenders.
He also highlighted the government’s work towards establishing a South African Export-Import Bank to address financing gaps through credit lines, guarantees and risk-sharing arrangements that encourage commercial lending.
Seroka similarly identified partnerships with commercial banks, development finance institutions and multilateral lenders as essential to financing increasingly complex projects and expanding the corporation’s capacity.
Transformation and industrial development
Transformation remains another priority, with expanded short-term export credit insurance expected to improve access to international markets for emerging manufacturers and smaller businesses.
Tau said the ECIC would continue supporting black-owned companies in the rail sector and advancing transformation through its investment activities.
Seroka said the corporation’s strategy was aligned with South Africa’s industrial priorities of diversification, decarbonisation and digitalisation.
These priorities include supporting clean energy, greener infrastructure, critical minerals, manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
The ECIC also plans to accelerate its own digital transformation to make its services more accessible, efficient and responsive to exporters and financiers.
As it enters its next phase, the corporation aims to measure its contribution not only through the value of transactions supported, but also through factories sustained, jobs created, businesses expanded and stronger South African industrial capabilities.