The CSIR joined government, industry and research partners in celebrating two decades of the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) at an event hosted during Africa Aerospace and Defence on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Hosted by the CSIR since 2006 and implemented in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), AISI provides critical support to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) by helping them de-risk technologies, develop products and access world-class research infrastructure and expertise.
Over the past decade alone, AISI has:
• Supported 142 SMMEs;
• Contributed to the creation and retention of 1 236 jobs;
• Enabled the development of 148 technologies and products;
• Assisted companies in securing 49 international standards and accreditations; and
• Generated approximately R381 million in local industrial output and more than R332 million in direct exports.
The programme has supported the development of globally competitive technologies, ranging from advanced avionics systems and satellite components to space-imaging technologies.
Building on the success of the aerospace and defence sectors, the dtic expanded the AISI programme to include additional sectors. In 2019, the marine sector was added, followed in 2022 by support for sector-wide accreditation initiatives. Aerospace and defence, however, remains the largest sector supported by the programme.
Speaking at the event, CSIR Chief Executive Officer Dr Thulani Dlamini said that AISI will continue to support the commercialisation of technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced sensors, space technologies and advanced materials. These efforts will help South African industry compete in global value chains while contributing to national security and economic growth.
He noted that the success of AISI demonstrates what can be achieved through strategic collaboration between government, industry and the national system of innovation. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look to the future and the opportunity to scale the programme's impact even further.”
Watch this video on AISI’s impact on five of its beneficiaries.
