Meloni Calls for Equal Italy-Africa Partnership at African Union Summit
Takeaway
The shift from traditional aid to investment-led partnerships under the Mattei Plan presents opportunities for European companies in sectors like energy, infrastructure, and technology. Investors should monitor the progress of the 100 projects launched under the plan, particularly those involving energy and climate transition, as these could offer significant growth potential. Companies should also assess the political and regulatory risks associated with operating in the 14 African nations involved in the plan.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on Saturday, February 15, 2026, advocating for a "genuine" and equal partnership between Italy and Africa. Meloni emphasized Italy's ambition to serve as a "distinct bridge" connecting Europe and Africa. She highlighted that Italy seeks cooperation with Africa.
Meloni's call for partnership aligns with the Mattei Plan for Africa, launched in 2024, which aims to foster long-term economic cooperation through investment rather than traditional aid. The plan involves 14 African nations and has launched approximately 100 projects in sectors like energy, infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education. The Mattei Plan reflects a strategic shift in Italy's engagement with Africa, focusing on enabling African countries to benefit from their own resources and addressing migration issues at their source.
The Mattei Plan was initially endowed with approximately EUR 5.5 billion in public funds to unlock further private investment. A central component is the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, a multi-donor special fund approved in February 2025. Italy has committed USD 300 million to the project. The Facility was anchored by an initial contribution of EUR 100 million from Italy, followed by a USD 25 million grant from the United Arab Emirates. Denmark joined in December 2025 with a commitment of DKK 70 million, approximately EUR 9.3 million.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Italy provides Africa with a gateway to Europe through these partnerships. Meloni highlighted Italy's collaboration with Nigeria and the Global Partnership for Education to launch a five billion US dollar campaign to enhance schooling for 750 million children. The African Development Bank Group serves as Italy's strategic financial partner for the Mattei Plan. Italy has pledged EUR 366 million to the African Development Fund's seventeenth replenishment and cumulative contributions of EUR3.1 billion as of December 2025.
Looking ahead, tangible results from the Italy-Africa partnership will depend on the preparations and engagement of African governments. A summit in Rome is planned for June to elevate the flagship initiative of enhancing schooling for 750 million children. Continued monitoring of the Mattei Plan's implementation and its alignment with African priorities will be crucial for its success. The focus should be on translating commitments into measurable results that generate tangible benefits for African nations.