Company Profile
The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) was established in 2021 as a non-profit company (NPC) and public benefit organisation (PBO) to accelerate industrialisation in South Africa by driving strategic localisation. By strengthening local manufacturing capabilities and removing barriers to competitiveness, LSF ensures that South African firms can scale, innovate, and integrate into global markets.
Our Purpose
LSF exists to bridge the gap between policy ambition and industry reality, ensuring that localisation is a driver of competitiveness, not inefficiency. By funding targeted research, feasibility studies, and technical expertise, LSF enables investment-ready opportunities and unlocks high-potential industrial pathways.​ Our vision is clear: a thriving, inclusive South African economy, underpinned by globally competitive local industries.
Our Focus & Priority
LSF operates with a focused mandate: to identify and address barriers to industrialisation through evidence-based research, industry engagement, and strategic interventions. Our approach ensures that localisation is not merely about import substitution but about scaling South African firms into competitive, high-growth markets.
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We concentrate our efforts on high-impact sectors where South Africa has a "right to win"—sectors with strong localisation potential, industrial depth, and global competitiveness.
Industries we serve​
✔ Automotive
✔ Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
✔ Clothing, Textile, Footwear & Leather
✔ Critical Infrastructure (Energy & Water)
✔ Food & Beverages
✔ Furniture
✔ Green Transition Technologies
✔ Machinery & Electrical Components
The Business Case for Localisation
Strategic localisation is not about isolation or protectionism, but leveraging domestic demand to enhance industrial competitiveness. By strengthening domestic manufacturing, localisation reduces import reliance, stabilises supply chains, and builds resilience against external shocks, such as currency volatility, trade disruptions, and geopolitical risks.
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A strong local manufacturing base creates jobs, fosters innovation, and drives economic complexity, leading to higher-value exports and long-term industrial growth. Through strategic localisation, South Africa can leverage its natural advantages, industrial capabilities, and policy frameworks to build globally competitive industries.
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By investing in targeted research and industry-driven localisation strategies, LSF ensures that localisation is a catalyst for growth, enabling South African firms to scale into regional and international markets while enhancing productivity, efficiency, and technological capabilities.
How We Deliver
LSF operates with a focused mandate: to identify and address barriers to industrialisation through evidence-based research, industry engagement, and strategic interventions.
Industry Research
We identify high-impact localisation opportunities through in-depth analysis, generating data and insights that drive evidence-based decisions for strategic localisation initiatives aligned with sectoral priorities.
Business Case Development
We conduct structured financial, technical, and operational assessments to validate the viability of localisation projects, providing robust business cases critical for securing investment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of localisation efforts.
Technical Support
We mobilise specialised knowledge and skills to overcome barriers in localisation projects, addressing complex challenges to ensure our localisation initiatives are feasible, scalable, and impactful.
Project Execution and Management
We implement and manage projects that localise key value chains and inputs, turning strategic plans into tangible outcomes that drive the realisation of localisation goals.
Network Orchestration
We collaborate with relevant industry stakeholders in order to facilitate connections between supply and demand side participants.
How We Measure Success
Our success is measured by tangible outcomes: reducing South Africa’s import reliance, increasing exports, driving manufacturing-led job creation, and ensuring long-term industrial sustainability.
✔ Reduction of South Africa’s Import Bill and Increase in Exports​
✔ Local Manufacturing Revenue and Capacity Growth.​
✔ Economic Impact reflected in jobs.​
✔ Long Term viability and sustainability