Italy-Africa Summit Unveils Ambitious “Mattei Plan” for Development.
By Caroline Ameh
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni has announced the commencement of the Italy-Africa Summit, set to take place on January 28th and 29th, where over 50 delegations, primarily from African nations, along with EU leaders and international organization representatives, are expected to convene in Rome for the event.
The summit aims to introduce Italy’s strategic vision, the “Mattei Plan,” named after Enrico Mattei, a prominent Italian public administrator in the 1950s. Meloni emphasizes a collaborative approach, countering critics who argue that the plan lacks comprehensiveness.
The “Mattei Plan” is budgeted at approximately 3 million euros annually over a four-year span. Its primary objective is to bolster energy cooperation and contribute to various sectors, including health and education, while addressing the economic roots of mass migration from Africa. Critics, however, question its strategic clarity.
Giampaolo Silvestri, Secretary General of the Fondazione AVSI, expressed optimism about the plan’s long-term perspective, advocating for a “bottom-up approach” that aligns with Africa’s needs and civil societies.
Despite Meloni’s anti-migrant stance upon assuming office in 2022, she now positions Italy as a crucial link between Africa and Europe. Meloni asserts that collaboration on shared interests, such as energy, is pivotal, given Africa’s potential as a significant energy producer and Europe’s ongoing energy supply challenges.
