The Localisation Support Fund

What The Localisation Support Fund does

The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) is a South African non-profit company (NPC) and public benefit organisation established in 2021 as a partnership between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa. Headquartered in Sandton, Johannesburg, LSF positions itself as South Africa's apex body for industrial localisation, operating at the intersection of government industrial policy and private sector manufacturing capital. Its purpose is to bridge the gap between localisation opportunity and execution across South Africa's manufacturing sector, without providing financial grants, operational or capital expenditure funding.

LSF delivers its mandate through three integrated capabilities: Research (commissioning and project-managing rigorous sector studies and feasibility assessments — covering hemp, sorghum biofuel, LFP batteries, vanadium, wool, garments, water and sanitation, automotive aftermarket, renewable energy, transmission and distribution, steel towers, medical devices, and hydrogen); Capacity Building (deploying specialist technical resources such as process and industrial engineers directly into manufacturers, and strengthening procurement functions of state-owned and private sector buyers); and Industrial Facilitation (convening manufacturers, buyers, financiers, and government to enable structured supply and investment relationships). The portfolio also includes roundtable events, knowledge toolkits, and case studies (Coricraft, Carbo Ferrum).

LSF's commercial model is non-revenue generating: it is sustained by contributions from founding partners and other private sector contributors, deployed against a R340 million localisation support fund. Its customer base spans South African manufacturers, state-owned enterprises (including Eskom as an anchor demand source), private sector buyers (e.g., The Foschini Group), industry bodies, academic institutions (Wits, UCT), and government departments. Engagements originate either via LSF-initiated outreach or applicant-initiated Request for Assistance submissions. Leadership includes CEO Irshaad Kathrada, Chairperson Harald Harvey, and Head of Operations Leon Naidoo.

Name

The Localisation Support Fund

Legal name

The Localisation Support Fund NPC

Website

https://lsf-sa.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) is a South African non-profit partnership between the dtic and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa that drives industrial localisation through commissioned research, technical capacity building, and stakeholder facilitation across the manufacturing sector.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Localisation Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Program & Project Implementation (TA Delivery) (BPADAEAA), Infrastructure & Project Finance Advisory (BPAHADAO)

Keywords

• Industrial localisation
• Manufacturing research
• Capacity building
• Feasibility studies
• Industrial facilitation

Headquarters

HQ city

Johannesburg

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Funded Support Services: The LSF provides funding for industry research, feasibility studies, and technical expertise to unlock localisation and industrial opportunities. It does not generate commercial revenue from products or services. The fund is sustained through contributions from founding partners (Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa) and other contributors.
2. Non-profit Operations: As a non-profit company and public benefit organisation established in 2021, the LSF does not operate on a commercial revenue model. It funds research, feasibility studies, and technical expertise rather than generating revenue from operations.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Localisation Support Fund provides research, capacity building, and industrial facilitation services to unlock competitive local manufacturing in South Africa. It commissions and project-manages rigorous industry studies and feasibility assessments, deploys specialist technical resources (process and industrial engineers) directly into manufacturers to scale production, and convenes manufacturers, buyers, financiers, and government to facilitate supply and investment relationships.

Product overview

The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) is South Africa's apex body for industrial localisation, established in 2021 as a partnership between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa. LSF operates as a non-profit organisation offering three integrated service capabilities: Research (commissioning and project-managing rigorous industry studies and feasibility assessments), Capacity Building (deploying specialist technical resources including process and industrial engineers to manufacturers), and Industrial Facilitation (convening stakeholders to facilitate supply and investment relationships). The portfolio consists primarily of published research reports covering sectors including industrial hemp (R40bn opportunity), sorghum biofuel, LFP battery cell manufacturing, vanadium batteries, wool reindustrialisation, garment localisation, automotive aftermarket, water and sanitation, renewable energy components, transmission and distribution, steel towers, and medical devices. Additional offerings include case studies documenting successful localisation interventions (Carbo Ferrum, Coricraft), roundtable events for stakeholder engagement, and a toolkit for establishing local manufacturing facilities. LSF does not fund operational or capital expenditures; support is focused on research, feasibility studies, and technical expertise to unlock investment and industrial opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Research Services Commissioning and project-managing rigorous research into South Africa's localisation opportunities, including industry studies, feasibility assessments, and business case development to identify where competitive local manufacturing is viable. Convening public and private sector stakeholders to shape research questions and translate findings into actionable outcomes.
• Capacity Building Deploying specialist technical resources including process engineers and industrial engineers directly into manufacturers to help scale production competitively, and strengthening procurement functions of buyers to engage more strategically with local suppliers. Focus is on building capability that makes localisation stick on both supply and demand sides.
• Industrial Facilitation Convening stakeholders including manufacturers, buyers, financiers, and government to facilitate structured conversations and engagements that allow formal supply and investment relationships to form. Identifying gaps in value chains and bringing relevant parties together to fill them.
• Hemp Industrialisation Study Report Commissioned study assessing the feasibility of building a competitive industrial hemp sector in South Africa, identifying a R40 billion domestic market opportunity by 2040.
• Sorghum Biofuel Value Chain Study Comprehensive research assessing the viability of establishing a domestic sorghum-based bioethanol industry in South Africa, finding grain sorghum bioethanol as one of the most compelling localisation opportunities.
• LFP Battery Cell Manufacturing Feasibility Study Comprehensive commercial, technical, and policy feasibility assessment by EY Parthenon confirming South Africa is well positioned to establish a 5–10 GWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery cell gigafactory.
• Vanadium Opportunity Study Market study evaluating the global Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) value chain to identify strategic opportunities for South Africa's participation in the energy transition.
• Wool Reindustrialisation Study Feasibility study assessing the commercial viability of reindustrialising South Africa's wool value chain, focusing on restoring early-stage processing capacity through scouring, combing and top-making.
• Garment Localisation Feasibility Study Comprehensive study commissioned under the R-CTFL Masterplan assessing potential for expanding local garment manufacturing, identifying opportunity for 81 million additional garments per year by 2030 worth R7.9 billion.
• Automotive Aftermarket Components Study Study identifying the most feasible and commercially viable opportunities for deeper localisation in the automotive aftermarket, supporting SAAM 2035 objectives.
• Renewable Energy Value Chains Localisation Study Analysis of local manufacturing capacity and capability for components used in Solar PV, Wind and Battery energy storage systems in support of SAREM, conducted by B & M Analysts.
• Roundtable Events Programme Industry roundtables, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions fostering collaboration and supporting growth of local manufacturing across sectors including hemp, biofuel, wool, garments, and energy.
• How to Establish a Local Manufacturing Facility Toolkit Toolkit providing guidelines and points to consider for establishing a local manufacturing facility, covering design, project management, risk mitigation, and funding considerations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Coricraft achieved 38% efficiency improvement and 8%+ productivity increase through lean manufacturing support
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and founding/flagship.

• WBH ConsultingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 14 April 2026Prepared feasibility study assessing commercial viability of reindustrialising South Africa's wool value chain with focus on restoring early-stage processing capacity through scouring, combing, and top-making.
• The Presidency (South Africa)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Partnered with LSF and IDC on the landmark Hemp Industrialisation Study commissioned to assess feasibility of building a competitive industrial hemp sector in South Africa.
• Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Partnered with LSF and The Presidency on the Hemp Industrialisation Study to assess industrial hemp sector feasibility and align with National Cannabis Master Plan objectives.
• Zageta SolutionscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 4 March 2026Conducted landmark industrial hemp commercialisation pathways study in partnership with DPRU at UCT, translating National Cannabis Master Plan ambitions into practical, implementable industry actions.
• Development Policy Research Unit (DPRU) at University of Cape TowncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 4 March 2026Academic research partner with Zageta Solutions on the Hemp Industrialisation Study, bringing policy research expertise to the industrial development assessment.
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026Partnership through the R100m Wits-SAHLI (South Africa Hydrogen Localisation Initiative) initiative between Air Liquide South Africa, Wits University, and LSF to boost South Africa's hydrogen expertise and research capacity.
• Air Liquide South AfricacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2026Partner in the R100m Wits-SAHLI (South Africa Hydrogen Localisation Initiative) to advance South Africa's just energy transition towards a low-carbon hydrogen economy.
• Letsema ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 26 February 2026Engaged to conduct a study assessing South Africa's existing railways manufacturing capacity and capability, with recommendations on how policy and procurement can bolster localisation.
• BMA (Industrial Development Consultancy)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 11 February 2026Conducted detailed assessment of retailer demand for locally manufactured garments and capability of South Africa's garment manufacturing base, combining demand mapping with nationwide manufacturer surveys.
• Customized Energy Solutions (CES)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 14 October 2025Conducted market study assessing the global Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) value chain and identifying strategic opportunities for South African participation in the energy transition.
• Ernst & Young Advisory Services (EY Parthenon)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 18 March 2024Conducted comprehensive commercial, technical, and policy feasibility assessment on whether South Africa can competitively manufacture LFP Battery cells at scale, including market demand, supply chain readiness, site suitability, and cost competitiveness analysis.
• B & M AnalystscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 December 2023Conducted study on local manufacturing capacity and capability for components used in renewable energy technologies (Solar PV, Wind, Battery energy storage) to identify localisation challenges and opportunities.
• Rhythm Power SolutionscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 June 2023Partnered with LSF to map detailed transmission and distribution manufacturing capability value chain through interaction with key stakeholders in the local energy components manufacturing sector.
• Blueprint Holdings (Pty) LtdcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 9 May 2023Prepared comprehensive research programme assessing viability of establishing domestic sorghum-based bioethanol industry in South Africa, including financial modelling across six feedstock configurations.
• Dizani ConsultingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2023Industrial engineering consulting partner that worked with Coricraft to implement lean manufacturing tools including time-and-motion studies, standardised planning systems, and production layout optimisation.
• The Foschini GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Parent company of Coricraft pursuing broader strategy to localise manufacturing base, enabling the furniture localisation initiative that shifted four product lines to local production.
• Siyavuya Power Projects (SPP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Parent company that acquired Carbo Ferrum in 2018 to produce transmission infrastructure, enabling the steel tower localisation partnership with LSF.
• Healthvalue ConsultingcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Conducted study to understand barriers to market access for local medical devices manufacturers in South Africa, examining the local device manufacturing value chain and developing enabling recommendations.
• South African Furniture Initiative (SAFI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Industry body that applied to LSF to facilitate adoption of lean manufacturing principles among local furniture manufacturers, representing the sector in localisation initiatives.
• Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)founding/flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Founding government partner in establishing the LSF in 2021. The dtic collaborates with LSF on industrial localisation policy and initiatives, providing governmental backing and policy alignment for localisation efforts.
• Coca-Cola Beverages South Africafounding/flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Founding private sector partner in establishing the LSF in 2021. Contributed to the establishment of South Africa's apex body for industrial localisation alongside the government.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Productivity Institute (NPI) South Africa: South African organisation focused on productivity and competitiveness improvement in industry. Comparable because NPI works directly with manufacturers on efficiency and process improvement (similar to LSF's lean manufacturing deployment at Coricraft), targeting the same pool of local industrial firms.
• Manufacturing Circle: South African CEO-level industry body representing large manufacturers. Comparable because Manufacturing Circle convenes senior industry leadership, publishes research and policy positions on industrial competitiveness, and pushes localisation priorities that align with LSF's mandate across the same manufacturing sectors.
• SEIFSA (Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa): Industry federation representing the South African steel and engineering value chain. Comparable because SEIFSA conducts sector research, advocates for localisation, and supports member competitiveness in steel-related manufacturing - directly overlapping with LSF's Carbo Ferrum engagement and steel tower price-benchmarking study.
• Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS): South African research-driven think tank focused on trade and industrial policy. Highly comparable to LSF because both conduct applied research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement to support South African industrial development, with overlapping sector focus (manufacturing, localisation, industrial competitiveness).

Broad incumbents

• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): South Africa's central scientific and industrial research council. Comparable because CSIR conducts applied industrial R&D, feasibility studies, and technology localisation for South African manufacturers across sectors that overlap with LSF's research portfolio (energy, manufacturing, materials).
• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit): German federal development agency that delivers technical cooperation, capacity building, and policy advisory programmes worldwide. Comparable because GIZ's service mix (embedded experts, feasibility studies, stakeholder facilitation, sector diagnostics) closely mirrors LSF's three integrated capabilities, particularly in partner-country industrial contexts.
• Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa: State-owned development finance institution that finances and supports South African industrial projects. Comparable because IDC is an LSF partner on the Hemp Industrialisation Study and operates in adjacent industrial-development territory (financing, project facilitation, sector studies), but IDC's balance-sheet scale and financing instruments far exceed LSF's advisory mandate.
• UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization): United Nations specialised agency that promotes inclusive and sustainable industrial development globally. Comparable because UNIDO provides policy advisory, capacity building, and technical assistance for industrialisation in developing economies, mirroring LSF's research, capacity-building, and industrial facilitation model at country level.

Regional players

• Wesgro: Western Cape's official trade and investment promotion agency. Comparable because Wesgro convenes stakeholders, produces sector intelligence, and facilitates investment and supplier linkages - a provincial-scale analogue to LSF's national localisation facilitation mandate, albeit with narrower geographic scope.

Others

• IFC (International Finance Corporation) - Manufacturing Advisory: World Bank Group member that provides investment, advisory, and asset-management services to the private sector in developing countries. Comparable through its manufacturing advisory programmes that combine sector diagnostics, lean interventions, and buyer-supplier facilitation, but operates globally with a financing mandate LSF does not have.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/localisation-support-fund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Localisation Support Fund