Italian prime minister unveils Mattei Plan

Italy’s hard-right Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, disclosed her long-awaited development strategy for Africa, aiming to position Italy as a pivotal link between the continents.

The Mattei Plan proposes an exchange of energy with Africa and investments in return for agreements targeting the prevention of migration.

Scheduled for this weekend, a summit in Rome is expected to host heads of numerous African countries, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and representatives from UN agencies and the World Bank. Meloni’s approach, named after Eni’s founder, Enrico Mattei, emphasizes strategic partnerships over a traditional paternalistic stance.

As Italy holds the G7 presidency, the Mattei Plan seeks to elevate African development as a central theme, challenging global powers like China, Russia, India, Japan, and Turkey in the continent. However, experts warn of potential hurdles in gaining EU support, as Italy allocated a modest 2.8 million euros annually from 2024 to 2026 for the plan.

Despite skepticism, reports suggest the government might earmark four billion euros for the Mattei Plan in the coming years. Schemes include agribusiness development and mobilizing Italian companies for major works, with a significant focus on energy, transforming Italy into a gateway amidst European efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas.

Critics, including 40 African civil society organizations, argue the plan overly prioritizes fossil fuels. Dubbed the “Descalzi Plan,” some warn of expanding Italy’s access to Africa’s fossil gas and strengthening Italian companies’ exploitation of natural resources.

Environmental concerns echo, with calls for a renewable energy drive to address the urgent climate crisis in Africa. Francesco Sassi, an energy geopolitics researcher, criticizes Meloni’s approach as “short-sighted” and “oversimplified” in dealing with energy insecurity.

The Mattei Plan, primarily driven by migration concerns, aims to reduce boat landings in Italy. Despite promises, landings have increased under Meloni’s tenure.

The initiative plans to address migration push factors and encourage origin countries to sign readmittance deals.

While energy remains a focal point, doubts linger about Italy’s capacity for sustained African development. Giovanni Carbone, head of the Africa Programme at ISPI, questions Italy’s readiness to invest in what is perceived as remote and challenging regions, highlighting the country’s historical focus on Mediterranean nations rather than sub-Saharan Africa.