The Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (ECIC), established on 2 July 2001, is the official export credit agency of the South African government. It was created in terms of the Export Credit and Foreign Investments Insurance Act 78 of 1957, as amended, and operates under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. ECIC’s primary role is to facilitate and encourage South African export trade by underwriting bank loans and investments in foreign markets, thereby enabling South African contractors to secure goods and services contracts in jurisdictions beyond the country’s borders.

The Corporation is a self-sustaining entity, listed as a Schedule 3B company in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (as amended). It is further regulated by both the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and the Prudential Authority, and operates within legislation applicable to state-owned enterprises.

ECIC’s mandate is to promote cross-border investment and trade by providing commercial and political risk insurance to South African exporters, supporting medium- and long-term financing by banks and other financial institutions.