Italy has launched a new strategy to strengthen its ties with Africa and help the continent achieve its economic and social potential.
The plan, named after the late founder of Italian energy giant Eni, aims to support African countries in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, education, and health.
The initiative also seeks to address the root causes of illegal migration, which has strained relations between Italy and some of its European partners.
Italy has pledged 5.5 billion euros ($5.96 billion) for the plan, which was unveiled at a summit in Rome on Monday attended by leaders and representatives from more than 40 African countries.
A New Thinking
Kenyan President William Ruto, who met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday, welcomed the plan as a sign of Europe’s changing attitude towards Africa.
“Every journey begins with one simple step. And I think that the most important step has been made, that we are recalibrating our relationship with Italy as a continent,” Ruto told Reuters.
Ruto stated that, given Italy’s current role as the rotating chair of the Group of Seven (G7) major Western powers, he has confidence that Meloni will actively promote African interests during her presidency.
“The narrative around Africa was conflict, disease, war. Now it’s changing. It is opportunity, investment, market and solutions,” he said, denying any doubts over the financial stability of his own country.
A Paradigm Shift
However, not everyone was impressed by Italy’s gesture. The chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, criticized Meloni for not consulting more widely on the priorities beforehand.
“We are not beggars, our ambition is much higher, we want a paradigm shift for a new model of partnership that can pave the way towards a fairer and more coherent world,” he told Meloni at the summit.
Of the 5.5 billion euros promised by Meloni, some 3 billion euros came from an international climate fund set up in 2021, while other funds would come in the form of public guarantees rather than hard cash for on-the-ground projects.
Despite the criticism, some analysts said the plan was a promising step towards a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship between Italy and Africa.
“Italy has a long history of engagement with Africa, both in terms of trade and investment, but also in terms of cultural and political ties,” said Federica Saini Fasanotti, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
She said the plan reflected Italy’s recognition of Africa’s strategic importance, as well as its desire to play a more active role in global affairs.
“Italy wants to be a bridge between Africa and Europe, and also between Africa and the rest of the world,” she said.
She added that the plan could also help Italy diversify its energy sources, boost its exports, and create jobs for its young population.
Enrico Mattei, who played a key role in developing Italy’s oil and gas industry in the 1950s and 1960s, lends his name to the plan. His visionary approach to energy cooperation with African and Middle Eastern countries earned him recognition.
Mattei died in a mysterious plane crash in 1962, which some suspect was a result of his challenge to the dominance of Western oil companies.
The Mattei plan is part of Italy’s broader efforts to revitalize its economy and its international reputation after years of political instability and sluggish growth.
Meloni, who became the first female prime minister of Italy in 2022, has vowed to reform the country’s institutions, fight corruption, and tackle social inequalities.
She has also sought to improve Italy’s relations with its European allies, especially France and Germany, after a period of tension and mistrust.
By reaching out to Africa, Meloni hopes to show that Italy is not only a reliable partner, but also a leader in addressing the global challenges of the 21st century.
As the world faces the threats of climate change, poverty, and insecurity, Italy and Africa have a unique opportunity to work together for a more prosperous and peaceful future.
Source: Reuters
