More than a dozen African countries are already participating in the Mattei Plan, an Italian initiative to stimulate local development and curb irregular migration. The announcement was made this Wednesday (12) by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The statement was broadcast on video during an event hosted by the Group of European Conservatives and Reformists at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The plan foresees the application of more than 1 billion euros already committed by Italy to projects on the African continent. It also includes an alliance with the European initiative Global Gateway, which allocates another 1,2 billion euros to the region.
Infrastructure, technology and agricultural production
Meloni detailed four strategic areas of cooperation with African countries. The first is the construction of the Lobito Infrastructure Corridor, which will link Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, connecting the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.
The second focus is supporting the coffee production chain in various African countries, with the aim of adding value and stimulating the local economy.
Another initiative is the extension of the Blue-Raman submarine cable, which will connect India to Europe via the Mediterranean, passing through the Middle East and East Africa.
Finally, the plan also includes a research center for Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development, based in RomaThe structure will involve hundreds of African startups in applying technology to funded projects.
Summit in Angola will strengthen partnership
The Prime Minister also informed that the next Summit between the European Union and the African Union, scheduled to take place in Angola in the coming weeks, will serve to align strategies between the continents.
According to Meloni, Italy will continue to act as a bridge between Europe and Africa. For her, "the future of Europe depends on a more stable, safer, and more prosperous Africa."
She concluded that the African future also requires "a Europe capable of listening, investing and building together, with humility and respect for others."
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