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The Mattei Plan Takes Center Stage as Italy Deepens Strategic Partnership with the African Union
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has arrived in Addis Ababa to attend the second edition of the Italy-Africa Summit, a key diplomatic event aimed at strengthening political, economic, and strategic ties between Italy and the African continent. The visit marks a pivotal moment in Rome’s renewed engagement with Africa, with a particular focus on the ambitious Mattei Plan, the Italian government’s flagship initiative for cooperation and development.
The summit, taking place at the Addis Ababa Convention Centre, gathers prominent African and international leaders alongside representatives of financial institutions, businesses, and civil society organizations involved in the Mattei Plan’s projects. Prime Minister Meloni is scheduled to deliver the opening address, outlining Italy’s vision for a partnership framework built on mutual respect, shared interests, and sustainable growth.
Among the distinguished participants are Mohammed Ali Youssouf, President of the Commission of the African Union; João Lourenço, President of Angola and current President of the African Union; Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed; United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres; Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank; and Anna Bjerde of the World Bank. Their presence underscores the international relevance of the summit and the growing interest in structured cooperation between Europe and Africa.
At the heart of the discussions is the Mattei Plan, named after Enrico Mattei, the visionary founder of Italy’s state energy company ENI, who championed equitable energy partnerships in the mid-20th century. The plan aims to foster development across key sectors including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and water management. It seeks to move beyond traditional aid models by promoting investment, local capacity-building, and long-term economic resilience.
Fourteen African countries are currently involved in the Mattei Plan framework. During the summit, leaders from these partner nations will take part in an initial session of statements, sharing their perspectives on priorities and progress. The debate will then be opened to additional invited authorities, creating a platform for broader dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing the continent.
Italy’s approach reflects a strategic recalibration of its foreign policy. Africa is increasingly central to Europe’s economic and security considerations, from energy diversification to migration management and climate resilience. By positioning itself as a reliable and respectful partner, Italy aims to strengthen its role within the Mediterranean and beyond.
Meloni’s participation does not end with the Italy-Africa Summit. On the following day, she will attend the annual Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union as a guest of honor. Her presence at the African Union’s highest decision-making body highlights Rome’s intention to engage not only bilaterally but also with continental institutions.
The involvement of major financial actors such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank signals the importance of ensuring that development initiatives are supported by sustainable financing mechanisms. Their representatives are scheduled to close the summit proceedings, reinforcing the link between political vision and economic implementation.
The gathering will conclude with a state dinner hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in honour of both the Italy-Africa Summit and the African Union Assembly. The symbolic dimension of the event reflects Ethiopia’s role as the diplomatic capital of Africa and the seat of the African Union.
As global geopolitical balances shift, partnerships between Europe and Africa are gaining renewed significance. The Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa represents not merely a diplomatic appointment but a test of Italy’s capacity to translate strategic ambition into concrete projects. For Meloni’s government, the success of the Mattei Plan will likely serve as a benchmark for its broader foreign policy agenda.
In Addis Ababa, the message is clear: Italy seeks to build a new chapter in its relationship with Africa—one grounded in cooperation, shared growth, and long-term stability.
Alessandro Fiorentino