Since last July 25th it has been possible to submit the application to access the new subsidized loan “Strengthening African markets” which can count on a reserve of 200 million euros drawn from the resources of the 394/81 Fund, an instrument managed by SIMEST in agreement with the MAECI.
The new measure is aimed at strengthening the international competitiveness of Italian companies with strategic interests on the African continent, supporting their production and commercial investments, including for digitalisation and sustainability, and the costs of training and bringing local staff into the company.
The new tool can be accessed by exporting companies with an export turnover equal to at least 5% of their total turnover and which:
- are permanently present on the African continent, with an already active commercial or production site;
or
- export goods and services to the African continent for quantities equivalent to at least 2% of their total turnover;
or
- import strategic raw materials and other products from the African continent for quantities equivalent to at least 2% of their total turnover.
The measure also extends to companies in the production chains which, although not exporting directly, can demonstrate that a share of at least 10% of their total turnover was achieved by supply operations to one or more Italian companies, with an export turnover equal to at least 5% of the total and are permanently present in an African market, or export or source strategic raw materials.
The new instrument consists of the granting of a loan at a subsidized rate of 0,511% to be repaid over 6 years (of which 2 pre-amortization), in 8 six-monthly installments deferred with constant capital.
The maximum amount of the subsidy that can be requested is equal to the lesser of:
- 35% of the average revenues resulting from the last two financial statements (item A1 of the income statement)
- €500.000 for Micro Enterprises; €2.500.000 for SMEs and innovative start-ups; €5.000.000 for Other businesses
- minimum amount equal to €10.000.
Regarding the maximum non-repayable amount:
- up to 20% of the total amount of the requested Facilitative Intervention, up to a maximum of €200.000,00 and in any case within the limits of the de minimis ceiling available for the company, for companies with at least one operational headquarters established for at least 6 months in a region of Southern Italy (Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily);
- up to 10% of the amount of the Facilitative Intervention requested, up to a maximum of €100.000,00 and in any case within the limits of the ceiling de minimis available for the company, for all other companies.
The measure also provides for a sub-reserve of 10% of the available resources in favor of youth and women-owned businesses, start-ups and innovative SMEs.
The investment project must have a duration of 24 months and must be carried out in accordance with the following eligible expenses:
- at least 60% of the subsidy intervention must be allocated to expenses for investments aimed at strengthening one's financial solidity, also in Italy;
- up to 40% of the subsidy for expenses strictly connected to the realization of the investments referred to in point a).
