In a landmark initiative announced by the President of the Republic, the French government has launched the “Fonds Maghreb,” a €100 million fund designed to support French businesses looking to invest and expand in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. This strategic move underscores France ’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with the Maghreb region.
Supporting French Businesses Abroad
The Fonds Maghreb, managed by Bpifrance, aims to provide financial and operational assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and very small enterprises (VSEs) over the next three years. With a total allocation of €100 million, the fund will offer equity investments, insurance for market exploration, growth loans, and export credits, among other financial products. These resources are intended to facilitate French companies’ development projects in the Maghreb, thereby generating economic value and job creation on both sides of the Mediterranean.
The fund is designed to offer a comprehensive suite of services to French companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in the Maghreb. Companies eligible for support include startups, SMEs, and intermediate-sized enterprises (ETIs) with annual revenues of less than €500 million and at least 12 months of published financial statements. The initiative focuses on companies whose products or services are already on the market, excluding those involved in international trading.
Key components of the Fonds Maghreb include:
- Dedicated Market Support: Assistance with market research and understanding local business environments, facilitated by partners from the Team France Export initiative.
- Diverse Financing Solutions: Access to various financing and guarantee options to validate projects and secure contracts with local partners.
- Investment Support: Financial backing to strengthen partnership strategies and external growth efforts.
- Business Ecosystem Engagement: Activities aimed at identifying optimal partners and concrete business opportunities, thus saving companies time and resources.
This initiative reflects France’s broader strategic objective of enhancing economic ties with the Maghreb region. By supporting French businesses in establishing a foothold in North Africa, the French government aims to drive economic development and foster sustainable growth both domestically and abroad.
Access and Eligibility
French businesses interested in leveraging the Fonds Maghreb are encouraged to contact Bpifrance to discuss their projects and determine eligibility. The fund is open to enterprises across all sectors, except for those involved in international trade.
For more information and to apply, businesses can visit the Fonds Maghreb portal (at https://www.bpifrance.fr/fonds-maghreb) or reach out to Bpifrance’s dedicated teams in France.
The launch of the Fonds Maghreb is a significant step towards strengthening economic collaboration between France and the Maghreb. By providing targeted financial support and facilitating access to new markets, this initiative is set to accelerate the growth of French businesses and contribute to the economic dynamism of the Maghreb region.
Contact Information
For further details, French businesses can explore the Fonds Maghreb portal or connect with Bpifrance representatives. The portal provides comprehensive information on the application process and the range of services available under the fund.
