Internationalisation strategies in Central Africa: taking advantage of CDP and SIMEST support

Central Africa represents a frontier of growth and opportunity for Italian SMEs wishing to expand their business internationally. With the new Strategic Plan 2025-2027, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) strengthens its commitment to supporting the internationalisation of Italian companieswith a particular focus on the African continent. In this article, we will explore the strategies and tools that CDP and SIMEST make available to SMEs to facilitate their expansion in countries such as Cameroon and Gabon, analysing the facilities offered and providing practical guidance on how to structure a successful internationalisation plan.

The new CDP Strategic Plan and the focus on Africa

The CD Strategic Plan 2025-2027P places special emphasis on the African continent, in line with the Mattei Plan strategy of the Italian government. The aim is to strengthen financing and technical assistance activities, with a specific focus on Central and West Africa

Over the three-year period 2025-2027, CDP plans to commit about EUR 5 billion to International Cooperation, with a significant portion earmarked for Africa. These funds will be used for:

1. Financing infrastructure development projects
2. Supporting the internationalisation of Italian SMEs
3. Providing technical assistance to local governments and institutions
4. Promoting public-private partnerships

Facilities offered by the 394 Internationalisation Fund

Ihe 394 Fund, managed by SIMEST on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is a key instrument to support the internationalisation of Italian SMEs. The main facilities offered include:

1. Soft loans: favourable interest rates and long repayment periods for expansion projects abroad.
2. Non-repayable grants: part of the financing can be disbursed as a non-repayable grant, reducing the financial burden on companies.
3. Guarantees: coverage up to 80% of the risk of non-repayment of the loan.
4. Capitalisation: financial support to strengthen the capital structure of exporting SMEs.
5. Participation in international trade fairs: support for participation in trade fair events of international importance.
6. E-commerce: funding for the development of online sales platforms for foreign markets.
7. Temporary Export Manager (TEM): contributions for the induction of professionals specialised in internationalisation.

Structuring an expansion plan in Cameroon and Gabon

To structure an effective expansion plan in countries like Cameroon and Gabon, Italian SMEs should follow a strategic and well-planned approach:

1. In-depth market analysis:
   • Study the economic, political and social context of the target country
   • Identifying opportunities and risks specific to the sector of interest
   • Analysing local and international competition
2. Definition of objectives:
   • Setting realistic sales targets and market shares
   • Identifying customer segments to be served
   • Define a time horizon for the achievement of objectives
3. Entry strategy:
   • Evaluate the different options: direct export, joint venture, acquisition
   • Consider partnerships with local operators to facilitate market access
   • Define the most suitable organisational structure (branch, representative office, etc.)
4. Operational Plan:
   • Develop a marketing and communication plan adapted to the local context
   • Defining the distribution and logistics strategy
   • Planning the human resources required, considering the inclusion of local staff
5. Financial Plan:
   • Estimating the necessary investments and sources of financing
   • Drawing up medium-term economic and financial projections
   • Identify the support instruments offered by CDP and SIMEST best suited to the project
6. Risk management:
   • Identify and assess the main risks (political, economic, operational)
   • Define mitigation strategies, including the use of insurance instruments
7. Compliance and legal aspects:
   • Analysing the local regulatory framework and the necessary requirements
   • Assessing the protection of intellectual property
   • Consider possible bilateral Italy-Cameroon/Gabon agreements

Advisory and operational support services provided by CDP and SIMEST

CDP and SIMEST offer a wide range of advisory and operational support services to assist SMEs in their internationalisation path:

1. Strategic consulting:
   • Market and sector analyses
   • Evaluation of business opportunities
   • Support in defining entry strategy
2. Financial assistance:
   • Structuring customised financial packages
   • Advice on risk mitigation tools
   • Support in accessing EU funds and programmes
3. Networking and matchmaking:
   • Organisation of B2B meetings with potential local partners
   • Participation in business missions and international trade fairs
   • Access to CDP's network of institutional contacts in Africa
4. Operational support:
   • Assistance with bureaucratic and administrative procedures
   • Support in finding qualified local personnel
   • Consulting on logistics and customs aspects
5. Training and capacity building:
   • Training courses on internationalisation issues
   • Workshops on specific markets and sectors
   • Mentoring programmes for entrepreneurs
6. Monitoring and follow-up:
   • Continuous support in the project implementation phase
   • Regular analysis of results and adaptation of strategy
   • Assistance in handling any critical issues

Case study: success of an Italian SME in Central Africa

To concretely illustrate the opportunities offered by the support of CDP and SIMEST, let us consider the case of an Italian SME in the agri-food sector that successfully implemented an expansion project in Cameroon.

The company 'Gusto Italiano Srl', specialised in the production of artisanal pasta, decided to expand in Cameroon to take advantage of the growing demand for quality food products. Thanks to the support of CDP and SIMEST, the company was able to:

1. Accessing a soft loan from the 394 Fund to open a showroom and distribution centre in Douala
2. Obtaining a credit risk guarantee for exports to local distributors
3. Benefit from technical assistance for project structuring and analysis of the Cameroon market
4. Participating in an entrepreneurial mission organised by CDP, which allowed them to meet potential local partners

The success of this project allowed Gusto Italiano Srl to:

• Increase your export turnover by 40% in two years
• Creating a distribution network in three central African countries
• Adapting its offer to local preferences by launching a pasta line with African ingredients

This example shows how, with the right support, even Italian SMEs can successfully seize the opportunities offered by the African market.

Conclusions and future prospects

Strengthening CDP's commitment in Central Africa, in synergy with SIMEST and other Sistema Italia actorsopens up new and interesting perspectives for Italian SMEs willing to internationalise. The innovative financial instruments, risk mitigation mechanisms and technical support offered enable companies to face the challenges of a complex but high-potential market with greater confidence.In the coming years, Italian investments in Central Africa are expected to increase further, driven by:

1. Growing demand for quality products and services from the region's fast-growing economies
2. Improved business climate in many countries, with reforms to attract foreign investment
3. Increased resources made available by CDP and SIMEST for internationalisation projects
4. Growing private investor interest in opportunities on the African continent

Italian SMEs that know how to seize these opportunities, by leveraging the instruments offered by CDP and SIMEST, will be able to position themselves as key players in the economic development of Central Africa, while contributing to the growth and internationalisation of the Italian production system.

In order to maximise the chances of success and effectively navigate the complexities of the African market, it is essential to rely on experienced and well-established partners. In this context, consulting firm AEDIC is a strategic ally for Italian SMEs wishing to expand in Central Africa.

AEDIC has an in-depth knowledge of the local context, a consolidated network of contacts with African institutions and business operators, and a proven track record in assisting Italian companies in their internationalisation paths.

By collaborating with AEDIC, SMEs can benefit from:

• In-depth, customised market analyses on countries such as Cameroon and Gabon
• Support in finding reliable local partners
• Assistance with bureaucratic and legal procedures specific to Central Africa
• Strategic advice for accessing CDP and SIMEST financial instruments
• Operational support in the implementation of the expansion plan

Don't miss the opportunity to turn the challenges of internationalisation in Central Africa into concrete growth opportunities for your company. Contact AEDIC today for a personalised consultation and start your path to success in the promising Central African market, making the most of the support offered by CDP and SIMEST.