What's happened
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized investment-led cooperation with Africa during the 2026 Italy-Africa summit in Addis Ababa. The Mattei Plan, involving 14 nations and over 100 projects, aims to foster sustainable development across sectors like energy, agriculture, and AI, with African leaders calling for more action beyond dialogue.
What's behind the headline?
The summit underscores Europe's strategic pivot towards Africa, emphasizing mutual investment over aid. Meloni's focus on 'learning from African wisdom' signals a recognition of Africa's growing influence. However, critics like Nanjala Nyabola warn that tangible results depend on genuine commitment, not optics. The plan's success hinges on translating discussions into concrete projects, especially in sectors like energy and AI, which are vital for Africa's future. The timing suggests a broader geopolitical effort to counterbalance other global powers' influence in Africa, with Italy positioning itself as a key partner. If implemented effectively, the Mattei Plan could accelerate Africa's development and foster deeper diplomatic ties, but risks remain if commitments are superficial.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Prime Minister Meloni highlighted the importance of building partnerships based on African wisdom and needs, with the plan involving 14 nations and over 100 projects. AP News echoes this, emphasizing the plan's focus on investment rather than aid, and notes Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's remarks on Africa's potential when combining its energy and creativity with Europe's experience. France 24 adds context by noting Africa's rising middle class and the contrast with Europe's struggling industry, suggesting that these partnerships could be mutually beneficial. Critics like Nanjala Nyabola caution that summit outcomes often depend on preparation and follow-through, warning against superficial optics. Overall, the coverage reflects a cautious optimism about the plan's potential, tempered by the need for genuine action.
How we got here
Launched in 2024, the Mattei Plan seeks to shift Africa-Europe relations from aid to investment-led partnerships. It involves direct projects in energy, climate, infrastructure, and technology, with 14 African nations participating. The summit coincides with the African Union meeting, highlighting ongoing efforts to deepen regional cooperation amid broader geopolitical shifts.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Italy-Africa Relations 2026: What You Need to Know
Italy's recent focus on strengthening ties with Africa has sparked widespread interest. With the launch of the Mattei Plan and the upcoming Italy-Africa summit, many are asking what this means for development, investment, and regional cooperation. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about Italy's new strategy and its impact on Africa and Europe.
-
What Are Italy’s Goals in Its Africa Summit in 2026?
Italy's recent Africa summit has garnered attention for its focus on boosting investment and fostering sustainable development across the continent. With initiatives like the Mattei Plan involving multiple nations and hundreds of projects, many are wondering what Italy aims to achieve through these diplomatic moves. Below, we explore the main objectives, responses from African nations, and the potential long-term impacts of Italy’s engagement in Africa.
More on these topics
-
Giorgia Meloni (Italian: [ˈdʒordʒa meˈloːni]; born 15 January 1977) is an Italian politician who has served as Prime Minister of Italy since October 2022. She is the first woman to hold the office and the head of the third-longest government in the h
-
Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sovereign country located in West Africa bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.
-
Abiy Ahmed Ali is an Ethiopian politician serving as 4th Prime Minister of Ethiopia of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia since 2 April 2018.