The involvement of the private sector in development interventions is a structural component of the Italian Cooperation approach, acknowledging the strategic role that companies can play in contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In line with Law No. 125/2014, the Italian Cooperation System promotes the participation of for-profit entities in cooperation initiatives, enhancing their ability to generate innovation, sustainable investment, and shared value in partner countries.
Italy’s action in this area is based on a comprehensive set of regulatory, financial, and operational tools aimed at fostering effective and impact-driven public-private partnerships, as well as on structured dialogue with the business community and innovation stakeholders.
La Misura “Imprese Impatto”
The most innovative tools for engaging the private sector is the measure known as “Imprese Impatto“, conceived to promote the design and implementation of entrepreneurial solutions with high social, environmental, and economic impact in Italian Cooperation partner countries, with a priority on Africa and consistently with the guidelines of the Mattei Plan for Africa.
The measure is targeted to for-profit entities, as defined in Article 27 of Law No. 125/2014, and aims to meet innovation needs through the testing of scalable and replicable solutions capable of contributing to sustainable economic growth, the creation of decent jobs, and the social inclusion of local communities, while respecting human rights and the basic principles of the Italian cooperation approach. Companies are called upon to work in partnership with local entities and other players in the cooperation system, promoting the transfer of skills, the strengthening of entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the sustainability of interventions in the medium to long term.
The process is characterized by a structured dialogue with the market and the use of innovative selection and financing tools, aimed at supporting the research, development, and testing phases of the most promising solutions, while ensuring complementarity with the priorities of foreign policy and the development cooperation strategy.
Related Links
Area Imprese – Misura Imprese Impatto bando 4.0- AICS (Company Area – Measure Impatto Imprese Call for Proposal 4.0 – AICS)
Soluzioni innovative per promuovere lo sviluppo sostenibile nei paesi della cooperazione internazionale | Appaltinnovativi (Innovative Solutions to Promote Sustainable Development in International Cooperation C)ountries | Innovative Procurement
The Event “Codeway Expo”
A central role in the dialogue with the private sector is played by the “Codeway Expo,” an annual event dedicated to the role of companies in the Italian Development Cooperation System, traditionally sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
Over the years, Codeway has established itself as a privileged platform for discussion and networking between companies, institutions, international organisations, multilateral development banks, and civil society players. The event provides a structured forum to showcase and enhance the expertise of the Italian production system, promote public-private partnerships, and facilitate companies’ access to the opportunities offered by cooperation programs and international procurement mechanisms. Special attention is paid to promoting collaboration opportunities in priority sectors of sustainable development, as well as strengthening the participation of Italian companies in multilateral initiatives.
Related Links
Codeway Expo 2026 | VII Edizione
Italy–Africa Business Week
As part of the initiatives aimed at strengthening economic and business dialogue between Italy and Africa, the Italy-Africa Business Week takes on particular importance. This international business and networking platform aims to promote sustainable trade relations and partnerships between the Italian manufacturing system and African countries.
The event is fully in line with the priorities of the Mattei Plan for Africa and the Three-Year Programming and Guidance Document for Development Cooperation Policy, with particular attention paid to enhancing the role of diasporas as players of co-development, as well as social and economic innovation. Through the involvement of companies, institutions, trade associations, and international organisations, the Italy-Africa Business Week contributes to strengthening a cooperation ecosystem based on responsible investment, skills transfer, and the creation of shared value.
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