We can strengthen the international competitiveness of Italian businesses with strategic interests in Africa, supporting production and commercial investments, also for digitalisation and sustainability, as well as expenses for training and recruiting local staff.

N.B. measure pursuant to Article 10 of Italian Decree Law 89/2024

Italian businesses with a permanent establishment in Africa, or that export to or source supplies from this continent, or that are regular suppliers of these businesses, in accordance with the requirements in Circular 1/394/2024 (Paragraph 2.2, G)

The financing can be used to fund expenses for strengthening the capital position of a business, also in Italy, as well as expenses closely related to investments, including costs for training African staff in Italy or in Africa, and expenses for them to travel to and enter Italy and obtain permits, documents, etc. for their employment in the country.

Maximum amount that may be financed: the maximum amount of the Subsidised Loan that may be applied for is equal to the lesser of:

• 35% of average revenues resulting from the last two Financial Statements (line item A1 of the income statement)
• €500,000 for Micro Businesses; €2,500,000 for innovative start-ups and SMEs; €5,000,000 for Other businesses
• Minimum amount equal to € 10,000

Maximum grant:

• up to 20% of the total amount of the Subsidised Loan applied for, for up to a maximum amount of €200,000.00, and in any case within the limits of the de minimis ceiling available for the business, for enterprises with at least one operating base running for at least 6 months in a region of Southern Italy.
• up to 10% of the amount of the Subsidised Loan applied for, for up to a maximum of €100,000.00 and in any case within the limits of the de minimis ceiling available, for all other businesses

It is also possible to request an exemption from providing guarantees*
*measure pursuant to Article 15 of Italian Decree Law 113/2024 and subject to its conversion into law

• From 09.00 hours on 25 July 2024, businesses can access the Portal to compile and submit loan applications for the new instrument “Potenziamento dei mercati africani” (“Strengthening African markets”), and for the new conditions dedicated to Africa of the instruments “Inserimento mercati” (“Entry on markets”), “Certificazioni e consulenze” (“Certification and advisory services”), “Fiere ed Eventi” (“Trade fairs and events”), “E-commerce” and “Temporary Manager”.
• From 18.00 hours on 24 July until 09.00 hours on 25 July, the Portal will be offline for updates, in view of the opening, and it will not be possible to use it.

See how to access the Portal

Compiling the application

• To compile the application, you must (i) attach all necessary documentation, as indicated in the Circular, (ii) give details of the legal representative, (iii) give details of the beneficial owner of the Applicant company, (iv) upload the contract of the dedicated current account, (v) upload the articles of association of the company. All documents must be digitally signed.
• In any case, submitting an application will not entitle the applicant to have the financing approved/granted. Approval/granting is subject to the application being complete, access requirements being met, the successful completion of SIMEST’s application review and the actual availability of financial resources, as well as approval from the Financial Support Committee.