Decoding the news. The Italy co-chaired summit will also address the political instrumentalisation of food supply chains, as starkly demonstrated by the grain crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Food security is increasingly viewed as a strategic issue—not just a social one—encompassing equitable access, resilient agricultural systems, and geopolitical stability.
The Rome–Addis Ababa axis. Meloni and Abiy have met five times in two years, reflecting a deepening bilateral relationship. Ethiopia is also one of the pilot countries of the Mattei Plan.
- Key meetings:
- February 2023 in Rome
- April 2023 in Addis Ababa
- January 2024 in Rome, for the official launch of the Mattei Plan
- May 2025 in Rome, during Abiy’s official visit
- Now again in Addis Ababa for the UN summit
- In parallel, two significant infrastructure partnerships are underway: the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Koysha Dam, involving the Italian engineering firm WeBuild.
The Mattei Plan and food security. During its 2024 G7 presidency, Italy made food security a top diplomatic priority.
- The Mattei Plan reflects this focus through tangible projects:
- In Algeria, irrigation and cultivation over 7,000 hectares, confirmed at the latest intergovernmental summit in Rome, with an estimated benefit for 600,000 people.
- In Senegal, $90 million co-financed with IFAD to boost food sovereignty.
- Additional funding includes the PIDECA program (€13 million) in Senegal and a blue economy initiative (€25 million) in Tunisia. PIDECA is the Integrated Program for the Development of Agri-food Value Chains.
- Goal: merge development impact with opportunities for Italian agribusiness.
Cultural diplomacy. During the summit, Italian jazz trio Accordi Disaccordi will perform in Addis Ababa at a concert by the Italian Cultural Institute, symbolising bilateral cultural engagement.
- On the eve of the visit, Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli signed a cooperation agreement with ICCROM for the initiative “Towards Sustainable Development in Africa”, backed by €6 million to train 540 young artisans across Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, and Tunisia, in collaboration with the Fabbrica di San Pietro.
African mosaic. The Italian government recently submitted a strategic review of the Mattei Plan to Parliament.
- Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano highlighted the increase in projects and reaffirmed Italy’s “awareness of Africa’s central role” in its foreign policy.
- Meloni’s participation in the UN summit—alongside Deputy Minister Cirielli, who will continue to Eritrea—reinforces this political trajectory.
What we’re watching. A series of bilateral agreements is expected to be signed during Meloni’s visit.
- Meanwhile, Undersecretary Giorgio Silli is in Mozambique, strengthening Italy’s partnership with Maputo, especially youth employment.
- One milestone: the signing of the IN4JOB programme, which supports youth entrepreneurship and SME development through tailored training and incubation.
