Archipelagos is a multi-year international cooperation program developed by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the Italian Financial Institution for International Development Cooperation, with the support of the European Commission that aims at supporting the growth of African SMEs and facilitating their access to capital markets.
Through this call for application up to 1000+ SMEs will be selected across the African continent to join a dedicated capacity-building program designed to strengthen their capabilities and increase their readiness for capital markets.

To participate in this Program, SMEs should meet 5 pre-requisites:
Be Africa-based (incorporated or with main operations in Africa)
Have an annual turnover up to USD 50 million, with a minimum threshold of USD 1 million to be eligible for the financial guarantee
Be in operation since at least 2 years
Be a for-profit corporate (or other type of for-profit legal person)
Not be subject to any sanction or restrictions

Describe the format of your programme.:

Capacity-building program
The Program is structured around 3 core areas – training, mentoring, and networking – and is delivered through a hybrid model, combining both asynchronous and synchronous components to offer a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.
In addition to training, SMEs participating in the Program will also receive dedicated support and will have access to a community of SMEs and investors providing them the opportunity to make valuable business connections, also at international level.

Access to capital markets
At the end of the capacity building Program, the SMEs that demonstrate the readiness and potential to raise funds in the capital markets will be provided with tailored support and guided through the fundraising process.
Selected SMEs will in fact receive dedicated mentorship and coaching to best prepare for the interaction with potential investors (e.g., support in preparing a compelling investment pitch).

Brief detail of instructors used:

Non Financial Support Provided: Coworking|Fellowships|Technical Assistance & Capacity Building

Financial Support Provided: Grant