What’s happening: SACE has launched a new “Africa Task Force” to strengthen Italian exports and deepen economic ties with African markets, in line with the government’s Piano Mattei.
Why it matters: Italy is accelerating efforts to diversify export markets amid geopolitical instability, including disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
- Africa is increasingly viewed as a high-potential growth corridor for Italian companies.
- The move reflects a broader push to combine industrial policy and foreign policy through geoeconomic tools.
Zoom in: What the task force does. The initiative brings together financial instruments, local presence, and business facilitation:
- Lower entry barriers: Free insurability assessments for supplier credit operations across 18 Mattei Plan countries.
- Expanded footprint: Stronger network of export advisors in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
- Dedicated channels: A specialized team and single contact point for companies.
- Business support: Forums (including an upcoming one in Côte d’Ivoire), B2B matching, and training via the Africa Champion Program.
Key quote: “Michele Pignotti, CEO of SACE, said the goal is to help Italian companies access opportunities with ‘concrete tools’ and a stronger presence on the ground, as export diversification becomes increasingly strategic.”
The financial lever. Supplier credit remains central:
- It allows exporters to offer deferred payments while covering commercial and political risks.
- Removing the cost of insurability assessments makes the tool more accessible, especially for SMEs.
- Key beneficiaries are expected in machinery and industrial supply chains.
By the numbers:
- €3.6B in SACE-backed operations under the Mattei framework
- €18.5B total value of supported projects
- 200+ Italian companies involved
Big picture: The task force positions SACE as a central actor in Italy’s Africa strategy, targeting sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agribusiness, water, healthcare, and education.
Between the lines: This is as much about geoeconomics as exports:
- Strengthening supply chain resilience
- Securing access to critical resources
- Expanding Italy’s role as a Mediterranean–Africa connector.
What’s next: Further initiatives under the Piano Mattei are expected as Rome seeks to translate political engagement into sustained commercial presence.
