Investment Strategy
SIMEST operates as Italy’s primary development finance institution, majority-owned by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and focused on supporting the internationalization of Italian companies and promoting sustainable development in emerging markets. The institution sits within the broader CDP Group, which gives it access to significant financial resources and a comprehensive toolkit for supporting private sector investment in developing countries. SIMEST’s investment activities span direct equity participations in Italian companies’ overseas ventures alongside fund investments in developing market-focused vehicles.
The fund investment program targets private equity, infrastructure, and impact funds operating in SIMEST’s priority geographies, which include Sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. SIMEST participates in the European Development Finance Institutions network and frequently co-invests alongside peer DFIs in pan-African and regional funds. The institution evaluates fund opportunities based on development impact, financial sustainability, and potential to create opportunities for Italian business engagement.
SIMEST has increasingly emphasized climate finance and sustainable development in its investment strategy, reflecting both Italian government priorities and EU-wide development policy frameworks. The institution supports funds focused on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and financial inclusion, and has developed specialized assessment tools for evaluating climate impact alongside financial returns. SIMEST’s position within the CDP Group allows it to coordinate with other Italian development finance tools and provide comprehensive support packages that combine fund investment with technical assistance and capacity building.
How to Approach
Fund managers seeking investment from SIMEST should demonstrate alignment with Italian development cooperation priorities and operations in SIMEST’s target geographies. The institution has a formal application process and evaluates opportunities based on development impact, financial viability, and potential for Italian business engagement. Referrals from the EDFI network or from other CDP Group entities can facilitate initial engagement.
SIMEST’s investment team is based in Rome and conducts due diligence that covers both investment merit and development additionality. Managers should be prepared to report on development outcomes alongside financial performance and to demonstrate how their fund contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The institution values managers with local presence and deep knowledge of their target markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SIMEST?
SIMEST is Italy's development finance institution, controlled by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and focused on supporting the internationalization of Italian companies and promoting sustainable development in emerging countries. SIMEST provides equity investments, subsidized loans, and export credit insurance through its partnership with SACE.
How does SIMEST invest in private equity funds?
SIMEST invests in private equity and infrastructure funds focused on developing countries, often as part of broader CDP Group initiatives. The institution targets funds that operate in markets where Italian companies have active commercial interests, with sectors including infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and agribusiness.
What is SIMEST's relationship with CDP?
SIMEST is majority-owned by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italy's national development bank. This relationship provides SIMEST with significant financial backing and positions it within a broader ecosystem of Italian development finance tools. SIMEST works alongside CDP Equity and SACE to provide comprehensive support for Italian companies operating internationally.
