Consulting Vouchers Africa (Beratungsgutscheine Afrika)

Funded by Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA

InterGest South Africa is listed as a consulting firm of

the Consulting Vouchers Africa funding program

The Consulting Vouchers Africa program enables SME companies with a permanent establishment or branch office in Germany to receive needs-based consulting services for their business venture in Africa, from BAFA-registered consulting firms. The funding applies to external consulting services for the preparation and implementation of economic projects in African target markets.

Request a BAFA consultation

Access funding for your business expansion into Africa with InterGest South Africa.

Contact InterGest South Africa

Consulting Categories

Funding granted according to consulting categories

A consulting voucher can only combine activities of the same category
Categories Services Maximum Daily Rate
Category A market analysis, market research, business partners and local contacts, customs/import regulations, logistics and transport, 864 euros net
Category B business case calculation, certifications and standards, development of sales structure 1,080 euros net
Category C financing, financing negotiations, setting up a branch, legal framework. 1,296 euros net

Consulting Vouchers Explained

Goals of the consulting vouchers

  • Facilitate market entry of German companies into Africa
  • Help German companies properly assess potential economic risks in Africa
  • Increase the competitiveness of German companies in Africa
  • Maintain and create jobs in both Africa and Europe

Consultation topic criterias

  • Market Entry: Setting up a company in Africa.
  • Development of a sales structure: Providing alternative options for market entry, as an alternative to setting up a company/branch in Africa.
  • Industry-specific questions: Advising on sector-specific challenges, opportunities, and market dynamics relevant to the economic project in Africa.
  • Market analysis: Conducting thorough market research to assess market potential, consumer behaviour, competition, and regulatory environment.
  • Partner identification: Assistance with identifying business partners and finding local contacts in Africa.
  • Legal framework: Providing guidance on legal aspects related to foreign trade, investments, contracts, and compliance with local regulations.
  • Product exports: Assistance and guidance on customs/import regulations, logistics and transport.
  • Business case calculation: Assisting in the preparation of financial projections, cost-benefit analysis, and feasibility studies for the proposed project.
  • Marketability examination: Evaluating the viability and commercial potential of the economic project, considering market demand, pricing strategies, and distribution channels.

Qualifying criteria for interested companies

  • Legally independent SMEs in the commercial sector, including the skilled trades, with a permanent establishment or branch office in Germany and an interest in entering the African market.
  • A company qualifies as Medium-sized if it employs less than 500 people and generates an annual turnover of less than EUR 100 million.

Funding amount

  • The funding rate is 85% percent of eligible consulting expenses.
  • Maximum of 15 consultant days per consulting voucher – The advice must be completed within 6 months of being approved.
  • Depending on the matter, maximum € 1.296 net per consulting day
  • A consultation day spans a minimum of 8 hours, encompassing preparation, conclusion, travel expenses, and any incidental costs, all covered within the daily rate.
  • Maximum of 3 consulting vouchers per calendar year of maximum € 19,440 per voucher (Annual maximum € 49,572)
  • A consulting voucher can only combine activities of the same category (see categories below)
  • Companies can apply for multiple funding vouchers at the same time.

Applying for Consulting Vouchers

Important: A consulting contract may only be concluded after the consulting voucher has been approved

Procedure:

  1. Complete the application form with your company data
  2. Select InterGest South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Number “124” on the list) as the consulting company for your request. A complete list of consulting priorities can be found here.
  3. Submit the application form electronically. (Only one application at a time – additional applications may be submitted after one application has been approved).
  4. The following documents must be uploaded additionally when submitting the application:
    1. De-minimis declaration and SME declaration (is done electronically with the application). Information on De-minimis can be found here.
    2. Commercial register excerpt
    3. Description of the project including the following information:
      1. Description of the proposed business and the economic objectives of the project,
      2. existing activities in Africa,
      3. Reasons for seeking consulting services,
      4. Timetable for the implementation of the project
    4. The BAFA checks the application for eligibility and intended funding. If the result is positive, the applying company is sent a notification of funding.
    5. After approval, a consulting contract may be concluded on the basis of a prescribed contract template.
    6. Payments must be evidenced by orderly accounting. Cash payments and offsets are not eligible. Invoices must be paid in full prior to submitting the proof of use (see below).

Proof of use

  • Electronic submission via proof of use form
  • Completely filled out use form to be submitted within 12 weeks after completion of consulting services
  • The following documents must be attached:
    • Bank voucher for complete payment
    • Factual report including comparison of planned and performed consulting services. According to the consulting report prepared by the consulting company.
    • Consulting contract with annexes
    • Copy of the invoice of the consulting company
    • Online feedback form (link to the online portal will be sent to you by e-mail.) (Feedback is mandatory for processing the proof of use).
  • Further online survey will take place 6-8 weeks after the completion of the consultation.
  • After checking the proof of use, the funding amount will be transferred to your bank account.

The funding for the “Consulting Vouchers Africa” program is provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWi).

Video on Consulting Vouchers for Africa

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

“We share a close business relationship with Intergest for more than a decade.  Friendly and efficient staff who is always willing to go the extra mile!”


 

“InterGest South Africa has been the fundamental core in our daily business. Their service has been meticulous, reliable and has exceeded our expectations on numerous occasions. We are reassured to know all our accounting and HR needs act in accordance with the rules and regulations. The InterGest South Africa team is always eager to assist without fail. We are proud to have them on our team.”

 

“InterGest has been our accounting partner since MMSA was established in South Africa in 2012. Over the years, we have built up a strong professional relationship that is more than just business”

 

“Since 2006 we have been using the professional services from InterGest South Africa. From setting up our South African affiliate and then further supporting our finance and accounting department, e.g. dealing with our payroll seamless, quick and stress-free as well as supporting us with all taxation issues by their dedicated and professional specialists.

Due to the successful growth we are now on the way to expand our business into Eastern Africa and this with the help of the InterGest team. We recognise this team as an utterly professional, dedicated, informative, helpful and friendly.”


 

“We have been working with Volker, Luise and the rest of the InterGest South Africa team as our strategic accounting and admin partner for more than 12 years. They have been a vital part of our business and their support, professionalism and expert advice has made sure we run efficiently. Nothing is ever too much to ask and they will always walk the extra mile. InterGest is a partner to us, not a supplier.”

 
cost and management accounting african markets
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY