LIVE UPDATES
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed the Mattei Plan on Monday, a partnership initiative aimed at bolstering cooperation with Africa, tackling immigration through economic empowerment, and establishing an energy hub for the European Union. However, the African Union (AU) expressed dissatisfaction, stating its member states were not consulted prior to the official announcement.
Named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of Italy’s state-owned energy firm Eni, the Mattei Plan was introduced during a summit in Rome attended by numerous African leaders.
Italy committed an initial endowment of €5.5 billion ($5.95 billion) to the plan, supplementing existing projects focusing on climate adaptation and clean-energy development across Africa. This initiative aims to position Rome as a key player in the energy sector, with plans to procure and distribute natural gas to the EU member states.
While the Mattei Plan signals Italy's intent to forge closer ties with Africa and address mutual concerns, the lack of prior consultation with the African Union raises questions about diplomatic protocol and inclusivity in such initiatives.
The AU's response underscores the importance of engaging with African nations on matters of mutual interest and collaboration, particularly in initiatives with potential implications for the continent's development and regional dynamics.
As Italy seeks to advance its partnership with Africa and leverage its resources for economic growth and energy security, navigating diplomatic channels and fostering constructive dialogue with African stakeholders will be essential in ensuring the success and sustainability of the Mattei Plan.
The unveiling of the Mattei Plan marks a significant milestone in Italy's engagement with Africa and underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in fostering meaningful partnerships across continents in pursuit of shared objectives and mutual benefits.
