On November 7, 2024, the city of Rimini, Italy, hosted the 4th edition of the Green Africa Forum, an unmissable event for leaders in the ecological transition. VivAfrik, media specializing in sustainable development in Africa, was present to cover this strategic meeting. This edition made it possible to highlight the plan Matteidescribed as a model of virtuous collaboration between the European Union and African nations to support sustainable growth.
The Mattei Plan: Supporting Electrification and Sustainable Development in Africa
Supported by the Italian government and corporate partners like ENIthe Mattei plan represents an investment of 400 million euros to strengthen electrification and promote renewable energies in Africa, where 600 million people are still without electricity. During the forum, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed that this partnership with Africa makes it possible to respond effectively to energy challenges by offering adapted and sustainable solutions.
Biofuels in Kenya: An Innovative Energy Transition
In Kenya, the Mattei plan finances projects in the biofuels sector, in partnership with the Italian Climate Fund and the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group). Through a $210 million loan, around 200,000 Kenyan smallholder farmers are being supported to produce advanced biofuels. This project not only contributes to the local economy but also to the decarbonization of transport, strengthening Kenya’s energy independence and its energy diversification efforts.
NOOR Ouarzazate in Morocco: An Iconic Solar Complex
Morocco was also honored during this forum, with the presentation of its NOOR Ouarzazate solar complexone of the largest in the world. Khalid Atlassi, economic advisor to the Moroccan Embassy in Rome, highlighted the central role of NOOR in Morocco’s ecological transition, which aims to produce 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Located near Marrakech, this complex reduces energy dependence on fossil fuels and constitutes a model of sustainable development for Africa.
Towards Strengthened Collaboration for the Green Economy in Africa
This 4th edition of the Green Africa Forum highlighted public-private partnerships as a driving force for the development of the green economy in Africa. With the support of the Mattei plan, these renewable energy initiatives are helping to sustainably transform African energy infrastructure. VivAfrik, present to cover exchanges and collaborative projects, highlights these advances and their impact for African and international readers.
Concluding the forum, speakers highlighted that the African energy transition is an opportunity for both the continent and the world, making partnerships such as those promoted by the Mattei plan essential for a greener, resilient and inclusive future.
Adja Aichatou DIEYE (VivAfrik correspondent, from Rimini, Italy)
