Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Italian institutions — SACE and SIMEST — have launched special programs to support Ukraine. Thanks to a wide range of financial instruments, they can assist both companies affected by the war and finance reconstruction projects.
SACE — The Export Credit Agency of Italy
Available limit: €1.5 billion (The Government of Ukraine acts as a guarantor).
SACE supports Italian investments and exports to Ukraine, as well as reconstruction projects involving Italian companies.
There are no sectoral restrictions for financing. However, priority is given to the following sectors: infrastructure, energy, healthcare, agriculture and food industry, and defense industry.
What it offers:
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Risk insurance — covering political and commercial risks.
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Guarantees — covering risks for banks and creditors.
Who can benefit:
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Italian exporters supplying goods to Ukraine.
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Italian investors supporting reconstruction projects.
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Ukrainian government agencies and companies purchasing Italian goods and services.
Coverage and terms:
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Up to 100% coverage, but 50% must be for Italian goods.
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Loan repayment period — up to 15 years.
How can Ukrainian businesses benefit from these tools?
Collaborate with Italian companies and implement joint projects.
More information: Official SACE website
CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti) — The State Investment Bank of Italy
Support limit for the private sector: €10 million.
Thanks to new regulations, CDP can attract financing from international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank, EBRD, and World Bank. This allows expanding support for exports and international activities of Italian companies.
CDP Equity invests in strategic Italian companies, helping them compete in the global market.
Sovereign wealth fund capital: €9.7 billion.
Key sectors for investment: defense industry, infrastructure, transport, logistics, energy, and high-tech industries.
How can Ukrainian companies benefit from CDP's financial instruments?
Collaborate with Italian businesses. For example, the Ukrainian group Metinvest is working with Italian companies to build a "green" steel plant in Italy with the support of CDP.
To make it easier for Ukrainian businesses to find partners in Italy, CDP has created the Business Matching platform: CDP Business Matching Platform
Italian SIMEST — A company supporting Italian businesses and exporters
SIMEST offers:
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Support to Italian exporters who have lost supply chains due to the full-scale invasion.
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Stimulating new export-investment projects for the reconstruction of the Ukrainian economy.
SIMEST’s tools combine concessional loans and grants, making financing more accessible for businesses.
In the summer of 2023, SIMEST announced a €500 million initiative to support investments and exports in the context of Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Opportunities for Italian companies available in Ukraine:
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Non-repayable export grants for Italian companies supplying equipment to Ukraine. This allows Ukrainian buyers to receive goods with deferred payment without additional costs for the supplier.
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Concessional loans for contractors — available financing for Italian companies participating in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Part of the financing (up to 10%) is provided as a grant, and loans are issued without collateral.
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Custom financial instruments. SIMEST offers direct investments in joint ventures or subsidiaries created in Ukraine with the participation of Italian businesses. This approach enables joint investment in strategic reconstruction projects, including infrastructure and industry.
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SIMEST can develop special financial instruments tailored to the needs of joint ventures, easing capital attraction and minimizing investment risks.
How can Ukrainian companies benefit from this opportunity?
If you are a Ukrainian company, the key step is to establish contact with the Italian private sector to jointly apply for grants, concessional loans, or attract direct investments in a joint venture.
Learn more about available instruments: Simest official website
