International Cooperation

We turn global challenges into development opportunities by supporting investments in partner countries for sustainable and inclusive growth.

We are Italy’s Financial Institution for Development Cooperation, promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out in the UN 2030 Agenda and supporting the implementation of Italy’s foreign policy strategic priorities.

In this role, we work in support of the Partner Countries of Italian Development Cooperation (countries included in the OECD-DAC list of Official Development Assistance recipients) to foster the implementation of sustainable projects with a high economic, environmental and social impact, in both the public and private sectors.

We provide financial solutions and technical assistance, drawing on our expertise and knowledge of international contexts and leveraging both CDP resources and public funds. We work in collaboration with the key stakeholders of the Italian Development Cooperation system, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and in synergy with the leading European and international development finance institutions.

Our strategic approach

The main areas of intervention to support the country's growth, with solutions dedicated to businesses, territories, and communities.

We act as a strategic and financial partner, providing advisory services to develop tailored financial solutions on competitive terms.

We assess every initiative using internationally recognized methodologies to ensure environmental, social, and economic benefits. We guarantee transparency and accountability in the use of resources.

We collaborate and co-finance projects with multilateral financial institutions, development banks and international organisations, while also playing an active role in associations and networks.

We organize matchmaking events to foster strong relationships and share cooperation opportunities with the Italian business community and Partner Countries.

Main sectors of intervention

Energy Security and Sustainable Infrastructure

We address climate challenges through the development of energy solutions and sustainable infrastructure to improve living conditions in partner countries.

Water, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

We implement initiatives to strengthen food security, support agricultural value chains and improve the water sector in partner countries.

Business Support, Industrial Development and Local Employment

We promote access to credit, inclusive finance and job creation, while advancing gender equality and social inclusion.

A growth trajectory

In close collaboration with the Italian Development Cooperation System, financing and technical assistance activities have steadily expanded in recent years, with a particular focus on Africa and in line with the commitments undertaken by our country, also thanks to the full deployment of available resources and instruments.

A growth trajectory

Who we work with

Public sector

Sovereign entities (states, central banks and public institutions)

Multilateral and international financial institutions

Private sector

Businesses from Italy, Europe and partner countries

Project companies

Equity or debt funds

Local private banks

Where we operate

Geographic distribution of the portfolio from 2019 to September 2026 (over €6 billion)

50 % Africa

15 % Asia

15 % Latin America

20 % Extended neighbourhood

Geographical distribution of the portfolio from 2019 to September 2026 (over €6 billion)

CDP for the Mattei Plan

CDP plays a leading role in implementing the Mattei Plan for Africa, the Italian Government’s strategic initiative promoting a new model of cooperation and development with African nations, based on equal partnerships and structured around six key pillars: education and training, healthcare, agriculture, water, energy and infrastructure. We provide dedicated financial and advisory instruments to support the implementation of high-impact projects in strategic sectors for the continent’s growth.

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Our solutions

We operate through a broad range of financial instruments and technical forms of intervention, using both our own resources, national and European and international funding.

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Financing and Guarantees

We provide tailored financing solutions for businesses, governments and financial institutions, supporting initiatives in partner countries. By leveraging both our own resources and third-party funding, we address short, medium and long-term financing needs.

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Investments

We support investment programmes in sectors that are strategic for Italy’s economic system. We invest through equity and debt funds, including thematic vehicles such as green and sustainable finance funds.

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Technical Assistance and project preparation

We provide technical assistance solutions to facilitate project implementation and strengthen the capabilities of the stakeholders involved.

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Working together for greater impact

Global challenges require collective action. That is why we work with national, European and international institutions, financial institutions and non-governmental organisations to build partnerships that strengthen the impact of our initiatives.

We also take part in multilateral initiatives that promote shared standards for sustainable development finance, including the 2X Challenge (women’s economic empowerment), the Water Finance Coalition (water sector) and the Global Green Bond Initiative (green finance).

Our international offices

We maintain an international presence to strengthen dialogue with institutions, partners, and stakeholders, supporting the Group's activities in our target markets and regions. Discover our offices abroad.

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