Italy has announced a new initiative to strengthen its cooperation with African countries on energy and migration issues. The plan, which was presented by Prime Minister Mario Draghi at a summit in Rome on Monday, aims to boost investment, trade and development in the continent, as well as to address the root causes of irregular migration and human trafficking.
The initiative, dubbed “Africa-Italy Partnership for Sustainable Development”, involves four pillars: green transition and energy security, digital transformation and innovation, human capital and social development, and peace and security. Italy has pledged to mobilize 5 billion euros over the next five years to support projects in these areas, in collaboration with multilateral institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Draghi said that Italy’s approach was based on “mutual respect, dialogue and partnership”, and that it recognized Africa’s “strategic importance” for global stability and prosperity. He also stressed that Italy was committed to supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a long-term vision for the continent’s development and integration.
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Among the concrete measures announced by Draghi were:
The creation of a joint task force with the African Union to facilitate the implementation of the initiative and monitor its progress.
The establishment of an Italy-Africa Business Forum to foster trade and investment opportunities between Italian and African companies.
The launch of a Green Energy Compact to promote renewable energy sources and energy efficiency in Africa, as well as to support the continent’s participation in the global carbon market.
The expansion of the Italy-Africa Fund for SMEs, which provides financing and technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa.
The enhancement of the Italy-Africa Scholarship Program, which offers scholarships to African students and researchers to study in Italian universities and research centers.
The increase of humanitarian and development aid to African countries affected by conflicts, crises and natural disasters.
The strengthening of cooperation on migration management, border control, asylum and return policies, as well as on combating human trafficking and smuggling networks.
The summit in Rome was attended by representatives from 26 African countries, including 15 heads of state or government. Among them were the presidents of Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. The European Union, the United Nations, the World Bank and the African Development Bank were also present as observers.
The summit was part of Italy’s efforts to enhance its role as a bridge between Europe and Africa, especially during its presidency of the G20 this year. Italy will also host the COP26 climate conference in November, where it hopes to advance the global agenda on green transition and sustainable development.