Meloni said:
“We can envision and write a new chapter in the history of our relations, one of cooperation between equals, far from any predatory imposition or benevolent attitude toward Africa. I believe there is.”
“…unless we tackle the causes that make people flee their homes, the mass illegal immigration will never be stopped and the human traffickers who take lives will never be defeated.”
“That is exactly what we are trying to do, on the one hand, declare war on the traffickers of the third millennium and, on the other hand, give African people opportunities, jobs, training and alternatives consisting of legal migration. We are working to provide that.” she said.
Meloni said Italy’s priorities include energy, education, professional training, health, agriculture and water. The first package, which includes loans, grants and guarantees, will consist of around 3 billion euros from Italy’s climate change fund and around 2.5 billion euros from development resources, he added.
Regarding the energy sector, Meloni noted that Italy’s goal is to help African countries generate enough energy to meet their domestic needs and export the surplus to Europe.
Meloni announced the Mattei Plan for Africa soon after taking office in 2022, but its implementation has faced repeated delays. The initiative, named after Enrico Mattei, founder of Italian energy company Eni SpA, has played a vital role as a political and business bridge between Italy and the African continent.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Africa emerged as Italy’s main energy supplier, fostering economic ties between the regions.