Italy sees Africa as an equal partner for growth
L-R: Italian PM Georgia Meloni, African Development Bank Group President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Italian Republic President, Sergio Mattarella at Palazzo del Quirinale Countries around the world are beginning to take Africa for what it is: equal partners for growth and development. On Monday in Rome during the Italy-Africa Summit, the Italian government unveiled a US$5.95 billion facility dubbed The Mattei Plan, prioritising energy security in Africa. In her speech, the Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said the following: “We believe it is possible to envision and write a new chapter in the history of our relationship, a cooperation among equals, far from any predatory imposition or charitable stance towards Africa. There is a natural inclination for Italy to be a bridge between Africa and Europe. The whole world cannot think about the future without Africa.” Italy sees Africa as a critical role player in its future growth and development plan. Africa has grown past the years when