Italy-Africa Summit kicks off in Rome with Morocco’s participation

The Italy-Africa summit, held under the theme “A Bridge for Common Growth,” kicked off on Monday in Rome, with the participation of Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Head of Government, who is representing King Mohammed VI at the event.

During the Conference, Italy will share with African countries the guidelines of the “Mattei” Plan, which Rome intends to draw up with representatives of African governments and present to other European states as a model of cooperation and development on an equal footing.

The Italy-Africa Summit represents an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of this relationship, which is based on the main pillars of food security, culture and training, energy security, economic and infrastructural development, the fight against human trafficking and terrorism, and the governance of legal immigration.

In an opening address, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored the vast potential and wealth of the African continent, particularly in terms of natural and human resources. She emphasized that global foresight cannot ignore Africa. “The world cannot gaze into the future without turning its eyes towards Africa,” she insisted.

Meloni outlined Italy’s cooperative vision with Africa, rooted in the “Mattei Plan,” which she described as an effective and tangible platform for collaboration based on equality. She expressed Italy’s commitment to creating conditions that enable young Africans to envisage their future in their home countries, thereby addressing the issue of human trafficking.

Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister, stressed that Africa holds a position of priority in the foreign policy of Italy, which aspires to establish an “effective and win-win” partnership, in key areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital and new technologies.

The President of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, acknowledged Italy’s efficient support to African nations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He underlined that Italy as one of the largest investors in Africa, with an investment volume of €24 billion in 2018.

Africa is upbeat about Italy’s upcoming presidency of the G7 in 2024, anticipating a significant role in bolstering investments and infrastructure in low-income countries, Azali Assoumani said.

President of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat noted that Africa faces unique challenges in living standards, security, and climate. He commended the “Mattei Plan” as an effective model reflecting Europe’s concrete commitment to assisting Africa.

The Italy-Africa Summit marks a pivotal moment in the Italian government’s ongoing efforts, initiated since it took office. The summit is part of a broader journey that includes bilateral meetings and the Conference on Development and Migration held in Rome in July, launching the ‘Rome Process.’

The upcoming Italian Presidency of the G7 in 2024 will continue this journey, with Africa being a central theme. The summit serves as a forum for high-level institutional discussions, focusing on responses to shared challenges in security, stability, and growth, translating these discussions into concrete initiatives.

The summit will delve into five main themes, namely “Cooperation, Economic Development, and Infrastructure,” “Professional Training and Cultural Promotion,” “Migration Flows and Counterterrorism,” “Challenges of Food Security,” and “Energy Security.”