Posted by Meloni to unveil plan to expand Italian influence in Africa
Angela Giuffrida
The Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is poised to announce her grand plan for Italy in Africa as she strives to position her country at the forefront of European cooperation on the African continent in return for curbing illegal migration.
The so-called Mattei plan, named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of the oil company Eni, will be presented in Rome on Monday to a host of leaders from Africa and Europe, including the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.
Meloni announced her Africa plan soon after her far-right government took office in October 2022, with the main goal of transforming Italy into an energy hub as Europe was weaning itself off Russian gas.
Although details of the plan’s broader scope have so far been scarce, a draft decree approved in November envisions Italy taking what Meloni has described as a “non-predatory” approach to helping African countries in areas including education, health, exports and infrastructure.
A priority for Meloni in exchange for helping African economies to prosper is stemming the flow of migrants from Africa, an election pledge she has so far failed to fulfil.
Read the full story here.
Key events
‘Our bonds are growing stronger,’ Michel says
Arriving at the Italy-Africa summit last night, the European Council president, Charles Michel, said: “The EU is a strong and committed partner for the African continent.”
He added:
Our bonds are growing stronger — in security, energy, development, and many other areas. An ambitious, forward-looking spirit is at the heart of our special partnership.
Thank you, President Mattarella @Quirinale & @GiorgiaMeloni for welcoming us in Rome for the first ItaliAfrica summit.
The EU is a strong & committed partner for the African continent. Our bonds are growing stronger — in security, energy, development, and many other areas.
An… pic.twitter.com/eONXZwxU0X
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) January 28, 2024
On the sidelines of the Italy-Africa summit, the European Commission and the African Development Bank Group yesterday formalised a new agreement to boost investments in infrastructure projects.
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said:
I’m very glad to launch a new era of cooperation between Europe and Africa.
Together we will build clean and competitive economies across the continent, promote skills, create jobs and opportunities, especially for Africa’s vibrant youth.
Today’s new agreement between the European Commission and the African Development Bank Group will power ambitious infrastructure projects under Africa under Global Gateway, Europe’s investment strategy for the world.
Meloni to unveil plan to expand Italian influence in Africa
Angela Giuffrida
The Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is poised to announce her grand plan for Italy in Africa as she strives to position her country at the forefront of European cooperation on the African continent in return for curbing illegal migration.
The so-called Mattei plan, named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of the oil company Eni, will be presented in Rome on Monday to a host of leaders from Africa and Europe, including the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.
Meloni announced her Africa plan soon after her far-right government took office in October 2022, with the main goal of transforming Italy into an energy hub as Europe was weaning itself off Russian gas.
Although details of the plan’s broader scope have so far been scarce, a draft decree approved in November envisions Italy taking what Meloni has described as a “non-predatory” approach to helping African countries in areas including education, health, exports and infrastructure.
A priority for Meloni in exchange for helping African economies to prosper is stemming the flow of migrants from Africa, an election pledge she has so far failed to fulfil.
Read the full story here.
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