Meloni in Addis Ababa: Matteo's plan and the future of Italian-African relations
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni , speaking from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, called for the launch of a new era of genuine cooperation between the African continent and Italy, stressing that these relations must be based on the principle of "equality" and mutual respect, far removed from traditional patterns of aid or a condescending attitude.
A new Italian vision: Mattei's plan for Africa
In her address at the opening of the summit at the African Union headquarters, Meloni affirmed her country's ambition to be a distinguished strategic bridge linking Europe and Africa. This statement comes within the framework of promoting the so-called "Mattii Plan ," a strategic initiative adopted by Meloni's government, named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of the energy company Eni, who was known for his support of the independence of oil-producing countries and for negotiating fair deals with them in the 1950s.
Meloni explained that the cooperation Rome seeks is a sustainable and continuous one, respecting the particularities of each country, saying: "True cooperation is that which never stops, and which will only be within the framework of a relationship based on equality, a relationship in which the particularities of each are necessary to achieve a common goal.".
The geopolitical context and the energy crisis
These Italian moves are gaining significant importance in light of current international developments. With the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war and Europe's efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy sources, attention is turning to Africa as a strategic alternative. Through this partnership, Italy aims to transform itself into an energy hub in the Mediterranean, transporting gas and clean energy from North and Sub-Saharan Africa to the heart of Europe.
Beyond the economy: The immigration and security file
Italy's objectives are not limited to the economic sphere; they extend to addressing the root causes of illegal immigration. The Meloni government believes that supporting economic development in African countries and creating jobs through direct investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy is the most effective solution to reduce the flow of migrants to Italian shores. This reflects a shift in European policy from a purely security-based approach to a development-oriented one.
Strengthening the strategic partnership
Meloni noted that the summit and meetings held in Addis Ababa enabled both sides to discuss ways to enhance the tangible results of this partnership. These moves are part of an active diplomacy led by Rome to reposition Italy as a key player on the African continent, leveraging its geographic location and historical ties to offer an alternative to other competitive partnerships proposed by international powers such as China and Russia.
