Italy proposes innovative Mattei Plan to transform relations with Africa

In a landmark summit of African leaders hosted by Italy on Monday, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiled the ambitious Mattei Plan, signaling a pivotal shift in relations with the continent. Meloni’s plan, inspired by the visionary Enrico Mattei, founder of Italy’s Eni, aims to establish Italy as a crucial bridge between Africa and Europe, focusing on energy cooperation and addressing migration challenges.

The Mattei Plan, initially backed by a substantial 5.5 billion euros ($5.9 billion), will channel investments into key sectors such as energy, agriculture, water, health, and education. Prime Minister Meloni emphasized the non-predatory nature of the approach, seeking to foster cooperation between Europe and Africa “as equals” while harnessing Africa’s extraordinary potential for development.

The summit, titled “A Bridge for Common Growth,” saw participation from over 25 countries, with prominent figures including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and representatives from United Nations agencies and the World Bank.

Meloni highlighted the interconnected destinies of Europe and Africa, underlining her commitment to cooperation that avoids both predatory tendencies and overly charitable approaches.

Italy’s aspiration to rewrite the narrative of its relations with African nations was echoed by leaders such as Moussa Faki Mahamat, chair of the African Union Commission, and presidents from Tunisia, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, Eritrea, Kenya, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

Despite the positive reception, Faki expressed a desire for prior consultation on such initiatives, emphasizing the need to move “from words to deeds” and deliver on promises made.

The Mattei Plan, part of Italy’s G7 presidency agenda, is set to embark on pilot schemes, ranging from modernizing grain production in Egypt to renewable energy initiatives in Morocco.

Acknowledging concerns about the plan’s focus on fossil fuels, Meloni aims to leverage Italy as an energy gateway, catering to European demand while simultaneously addressing the energy deficit affecting over 40 percent of Africans.

Critics advocating for renewable energy solutions argue that such an approach is essential, considering the climate-related challenges faced by the continent.

An integral component of the Mattei Plan is its commitment to curbing migration through strategic investments. Meloni, known for her staunch anti-migrant stance, seeks to address the issue by fostering cooperation with African nations and implementing readmittance deals for migrants refused permission to stay in Italy.

As Italy endeavors to redefine its role in Africa, the Mattei Plan emerges as a comprehensive strategy aiming for common growth, sustainable energy partnerships, and a collaborative approach to migration challenges.