On January 29, 2024, Rome hosted the pivotal Italy-Africa Summit, marking a significant step by the Italian government to fortify its relationships with African nations. The conference attracted not only African Heads of State, Government, and Ministers but also numerous European Union representatives. Their presence underscored the EU’s keen interest in the so-called “Piano Mattei”.
The Italy-Africa Summit, the first international event in Italy during its G7 presidency, was an opportunity for the government of Giorgia Meloni to elaborate on the Italian “Piano Mattei”. Named after Enrico Mattei — the erstwhile President of the Italian Energy Public Company ENI, Italy’s state-owned energy entity — the plan is aimed at fostering development across Africa in several key areas (among these, education and training, agriculture, health, and…
