The 2024 edition of the Ecomondo fair, one of the largest global events dedicated to green technologies and the circular economy, offered a key platform for Italy to strengthen its partnerships with Africa, notably within the framework of the Mattei Plan . This strategic program, launched in early 2024, aims to develop a solid partnership between the two continents, with particular emphasis on energy transition and sustainability. The Africa Green Growth forum, organized on November 7, 2024, allowed Italian authorities and African representatives to discuss current projects and future opportunities.
The Mattei Plan and the partnership strategy with Africa
Italy, under the aegis of the Mattei Plan, places particular emphasis on renewable energies and the energy transition in Africa. This program, with an initial budget of $6 billion, seeks to secure Europe’s energy supply while supporting sustainable development projects on the African continent. The Mattei Plan aims to meet several objectives: curbing migratory flows by improving local economic conditions, strengthening African infrastructure and transforming Italy into an energy hub connecting Africa to Europe.
Strengthened cooperation during the Africa Green Growth Forum
The Africa Green Growth Forum was a key moment in this enhanced cooperation, with the participation of more than 100 African delegates, representing various countries and sectors such as energy, agriculture, health and education. Countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Senegal presented their concrete projects supported by partnerships with Italian companies and institutions.
Among notable initiatives, the creation of a Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy in Morocco has attracted attention. This project aims to train African experts to strengthen local capacities in the management of clean energy infrastructure. Kenya also showcased bioenergy and sustainable agriculture projects, with initiatives like producing biofuels from degraded land, funded by a $210 million loan.
An “equal to equal” strategic partnership relationship
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed that the Mattei Plan marks a paradigm shift in Italy’s relations with Africa. The cooperative approach will not be based on charity or predation, but on strategic partnerships of equals. This rapprochement is based on the complementarity of the resources and skills of the two regions: while Italy can bring its technical expertise, particularly in the areas of the circular economy and infrastructure, Africa, with its dynamic youth and its abundant natural resources, becomes a key partner for the supply of renewable energies and critical minerals.
Challenges and issues for the future
Despite the enthusiasm around the Mattei Plan, some analysts point to potential challenges. The skepticism mainly concerns the migratory dimension of the plan, with some seeing it more as an attempt by Italy to respond to migration issues, while improving living conditions in the countries of origin. Other criticisms focus on insufficient funds and the lack of direct involvement of African countries in the design of the program.
However, optimism remains in order, with projects already launched on the ground and potential for transformation for both continents. William Ruto, the President of Kenya, expressed his confidence, emphasizing that “every journey begins with a single step”, and that this first step could well be the key to a more balanced and lasting relationship.
Towards a new era of cooperation between Italy and Africa
The meeting at Ecomondo 2024 only reinforced the idea that the future of cooperation between Italy and Africa lies in sustainable development projects and in the pooling of resources and skills. The implementation of the Mattei Plan could well transform current challenges into real opportunities for both continents, with flagship projects in the fields of energy, agriculture, health and the circular economy. As Africa positions itself as a key player in the global future, Italy seems ready to play a central role in this strategic and sustainable partnership.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
