Italy’s Mattei Plan is expanding. Initially launched with nine African nations, the initiative will include Angola, Ghana, Mauritania, Tanzania, and Senegal.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the expansion during a press conference with the National Order of Journalists and the Parliamentary Press Association, underlining the plan’s increasing momentum and international resonance.
- In response to a question from our sister website Formiche, Meloni described the Mattei Plan as a “new approach to Africa,” stressing its tangible results.
- Thus far, projects have been implemented in all nine initial partner nations, and the program is now ready for further growth. This will involve not only the inclusion of additional countries but also the internationalisation of the initiative, starting with the G7.
A new approach. Named after Italian energy pioneer Enrico Mattei, the initiative reflects Italy’s commitment to fostering development and cooperation across Africa.
- It focuses on economic partnerships, energy security, and sustainable development, presenting an alternative to traditional aid models.
- Meloni outlined two primary goals for 2025: internationalising and Europeanizing the Mattei Plan.
- The aim is to align the initiative with broader European and G7 strategies and collaborate with partners to enhance its impact continent-wide.
Deepening economic ties with Angola. Angola plays a pivotal role in the plan’s next phase.
- Italian exports to Angola rose sharply in 2023, reaching €72.2 million, up from €45 million the previous year, signalling a strengthening trade relationship.
- The strategic presence of Italian energy giant Eni is vital as Angola emerges from an oil-related recession.
- This partnership was reinforced by Angolan President João Lourenço’s visit to Rome in 2024, which included high-level meetings and a business forum hosted by Confindustria-Assafrica.
Ghana, a model of stability. Ghana, a stable and thriving West African economy, is a natural fit for Italy’s expanding African strategy.
- Renowned for its cocoa exports and leadership in ECOWAS, Ghana aligns with Italy’s vision of fostering economic growth and regional stability.
- Italy is Ghana’s 12th-largest trading partner.
- Bilateral relations were further strengthened during Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s 2024 state visit, building on ties established during Giorgio Napolitano’s historic visit in 2009.
Emerging opportunities in Mauritania and Tanzania. In Tanzania, the Mattei Plan has already received praise.
- Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo highlighted the initiative as a potential development model during an event in Rome last year.
- Furthermore, Mauritania offers opportunities for collaboration in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, which are crucial areas for achieving the objectives of the Mattei Plan.
Sustainable development in Senegal. Tanzania has already recognised the Mattei Plan’s potential.
- Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo praised the initiative as a development model at a Rome event in 2024.
- Similarly, Mauritania presents opportunities in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure—key areas for achieving the Mattei Plan’s objectives.
Libya, an ongoing challenge. Despite its expansion, Libya remains a critical focus for Italian diplomacy. Meloni acknowledged the challenges of stabilising the nation, particularly in light of growing Russian influence in Cyrenaica.
- “We are closely monitoring the situation,” Meloni stated. “Achieving lasting stability in Libya is among the most complex issues I have faced.”
- She also raised concerns about Russia’s involvement in Africa during discussions with G7 and NATO leaders, emphasising its implications for regional stability.
