Picture
 
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (IDC)



​BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026

Purpose of the Bursary Programme The Land Bank Bursary Programme is a strategic initiative designed to invest in the development of future professionals in the agricultural and financial sector. By providing financial assistance to deserving students, the programme seeks to address the critical skills shortage facing the South African agricultural industry and promote inclusive economic participation, particularly among historically disadvantaged communities. The programme forms part of Land Bank’s broader socio-economic development efforts and helps to build a pipeline of skilled graduates who will contribute towards sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development in South Africa.

Aim of the Programme
Through the bursary programme, Land Bank aims to: 
• Build a sustainable talent pipeline for critical and scarce skills. 
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the agricultural finance ecosystem. 
• Empower youth from rural and underprivileged communities. 
• Enhance the professional capacity of the agricultural sector to meet South Africa’s socio-economic needs.

Structure of the Bursary Programme
The Land Bank Bursary Programme is structured to provide comprehensive financial support and developmental opportunities to successful recipients. The key components of the bursary structure include:
 
Financial Support
• Full tuition fee coverage for Agricultural Colleges registered with the Higher Council of Education ( CHE) in South Africa 
• Provision for prescribed books, study materials, and a monthly living allowance.
• Accommodation and meal allowances where applicable.
 
Targeted Fields of Study 
• The programme prioritizes bursaries for undergraduate studies at Agricultural Colleges registered with the Higher Council of Education ( CHE) in South Africa
 
Selection Criteria 
• Applicants must be South African citizens. 
• Preference is given to students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas. 
• Strong academic performance in Grade 12 (or equivalent) and at tertiary level.
• Demonstrated interest in contributing to the agricultural sector and Land Bank’s mission. 
• Must be between 18 – 28 years 

Developmental Support 
• Mentorship and academic support through Land Bank’s internal resources and partnerships. 
• Exposure to workplace learning opportunities, including vacation work and participation in the Land Bank’s Alumni Programme. 
• Access to professional development workshops and seminars to enhance employability and leadership skills. 
 
Post-Graduation Commitment 
• Successful bursary recipients are encouraged to participate in Land Bank’s Alumni Programme, where they will gain valuable insight through networking avenues.
 
 
How to Apply: 
Download the application form Fully complete application form and attach required documents.
Applications should be emailed to bursaries@landbank.co.za
 
Closing date for applications is 05 January 2026​​
 
Link: Bursary Application Form






​SBU HEAD: CONTINENTAL STRATEGIC BUSINESS UNIT (SBU)
IDC is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of the IDC and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but not limited to candidates from underrepresented designated groups.
Job number IDC00659
Contract Type Permanent
Posting End Date 16 Jan 2026
Region Gauteng
IDC Job Grade
M2 Band
 
Synopsis
To provide strategic leadership for the newly established Continental Strategic Business Unit (SBU), ensuring the successful execution of IDC’s Continental Strategy across Africa. The Head: Continental will champion the development and implementation of high-impact industrial initiatives in priority sectors such as Critical Minerals, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Chemicals, and Infrastructure, driving sustainable growth, regional value chain integration, and cross-border investment.
This role is responsible for building an impactful and financially sound continental portfolio for the IDC by driving investments across the rest of the African continent. Success will require close collaboration with internal sectoral resources to leverage and develop the SBU’s skills base, as well as fostering strong partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.
The Head: Continental SBU is accountable for building and leading a high-performing team, embedding a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence. The role ensures all activities are aligned with IDC’s development mandate, financial sustainability objectives, and organisational values, while proactively managing risks and navigating the complexities of diverse African markets.
Ultimately, the Head: Continental SBU will spearhead the origination and development of investment opportunities, identify and evaluate viable business cases utilising IDC’s due diligence processes, and ensure the SBU achieves long-term sustainability through strategic objectives and priorities: Development Impact Effectiveness, Financial Sustainability, Customer Centricity, and People.
 
Job Description
 
Financial / Shareholder Returns
  • Monitor and optimise the profit and loss of the SBU
  • Maximise shareholder value in terms of industry development and development impact.
  • Development and management of the budget.
  • Ensure financial soundness of all decisions and in particular financial credibility and astuteness in transactions led by the team so as to drive IDC’s financial sustainability
  • Ensure developmental optimisation of decisions led by the team
 
Internal / Operational Processes
  • Define and implement strategic objectives and business plans of the unit.
  • Develop and manage proactive business development and deal origination approach for priority sectors (Critical Minerals, Chemicals, Agriculture, Infrastructure).
  • Conduct detailed market assessment: identifying, researching, filtering and prioritizing of new market opportunities to improve deal sourcing.
  • Provide strategic leadership and guidance to staff and stakeholders in policy, strategic and operational matters.
  • Lead change management initiatives to embed the Continental SBU within IDC, ensuring buy-in from internal and external stakeholders
  • Foster strong collaboration with sectoral SBUs and support departments to ensure seamless execution of continental and domestic strategies.
  • Proactively drive key business initiatives and sourcing of clients and deals.
  • Contribute to industry policy decision-making.
  • Develop and implement required information and reporting systems to track and manage the progress of strategy implementation.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate strategic and operational risks associated with continental investments and partnerships.
  • Ensure that processes to manage the portfolio of the unit are in place.
  • Ensure the quality of assessments of applications for financing.
  • Provide well-written and motivated reports for financing.
  • Present reports to the relevant Credit and other committees as required.
  • Manage budget and allocate resources in line with strategic priorities.
  • Provide management reports to the Chief Operations Officer and other stakeholders as required.
 
Customer Focus & Stakeholder Management
  • Build and maintain influential relationships with strategic stakeholders (government, industry forums, clients etc.)
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with DFIs, commercial banks, government entities, and regional organisations to enhance IDC’s continental presence.
  • Optimise service delivery to address client needs and enhance IDC’s continental presence.
  • Present strategic plans, priority objectives and operational plans to key decision-making stakeholders within IDC (Executive Committees, Shareholder, Board).
  • Liaise, communicate, and promote the Continental SBU externally to position IDC as a leading DFI in Africa.
  • Proactively identify and establish partnerships that will facilitate and enable the strategic direction and operational outcomes of the unit.
  • Engage in formal partnerships through memoranda of understanding (MoU) and ensure delivery of expected outcomes from such MoUs. 
 
Qualification and Experience
Learning, Leadership & People Growth
  • Provide strategic leadership and management to ensure high performance
  • Ensure the effective management of people in the unit, including employee motivation and development and the application of Corporate policies and procedures and ensuring optimal performance
  • Protect the interests and well-being of employees and establish suitable communication lines with them
  • Oversee the implementation of talent management initiatives within the division (Employee Engagement, Mentoring and Coaching, Skills Development and Succession Management)
  • Provide leadership and drive culture transformation that fosters a culture consistent with the Corporation’s values (Passion, Professionalism and Partnership) and leadership ethos.
  • Champion IDC’s values and culture, ensuring alignment throughout the SBU’s operations and partnerships.
 
Qualifications
  • Minimum qualification: relevant Post Graduate Degree or equivalent qualification.
  • MBA or master’s would be an advantage
 
Knowledge & Experience
  • 10+ years relevant experience with a development finance institution, a commercial bank, an international financial institution or a private equity firm with tasks related to private sector financing and development.
  • 8+ years’ experience in business development, deal origination, structuring, and closing private sector investment projects in industrial driving economic sectors, with proven experience in concluding investments in the Africa region.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in leadership and management of teams in priority sectors (Critical Minerals, Chemicals, Agriculture, Infrastructure).
  • Strong understanding and proven exposure and delivery in African markets, regional value chains, and industrial development dynamics.
  • Strong technical and operational skills demonstrated by a track record of structuring and closing investments of complex transactions.
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance growth, risk and sustainability
  • Experience in interacting, developing, pitching, and presenting business cases to executive stakeholders.
  • Experience in engaging, managing, and negotiating with DFIs, governments, and industry associations.
  • Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills, with a well-established network of partners, clients, and investors across public and private sectors.
  • Client management expertise and ability to lead complex transactions across multiple jurisdictions.
 
Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership Competencies
  • Resilience
  • Decisiveness in Execution
  • People Engagement
  • Communication and Engagement
  • Diverse Stakeholder Management
  • Teamwork
  • Innovation
  • Change Leadership
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Business Mindset
 
Technical/Functional Competencies
  • Financial and business acumen
  • Business Development
  • Macro-economic and analytical thinking
  • Risk identification and mitigation
  • Innovative & strategic thinking
  • Results and solution-oriented
  • Portfolio management
  • Customer insights and focus
  • Strategic Planning and directing
  • Political astuteness and operating in diverse environments
 
Behavioural Competencies
  • Presentation and communication skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Relationship building and Networking skills
  • Persuading and Strategic Influencing skills
  • Coaching and Mentoring
 
IDC is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of the JDC and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given but not limited to candidates from underrepresented designated groups.
 
PLEASE APPLY HERE