Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Giorgia Meloni has reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with African nations, outlining a broad agenda focused on investment, debt relief, human capital development, and peacebuilding during her address at the opening of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
Speaking before African leaders and international partners, the Italian Prime Minister emphasized that Italy’s engagement with Africa is grounded in equality, mutual respect, and shared priorities, rejecting exploitative models of cooperation.
“True cooperation exists only in a relation between equals. If you look down on someone you cannot cooperate with them. If you want to plunder their resources you are not cooperating,” Meloni said.
At the center of Italy’s renewed outreach is the Matei Plan for Africa, an investment framework targeting infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and vocational training across multiple African countries. This year, the plan will place special emphasis on water-related projects aimed at improving resilience and sustainable resource management.
Meloni noted that the initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and supports continental integration through projects such as the Lobito Corridor railway and other cross-border infrastructure networks designed to enhance trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Addressing mounting debt burdens across African economies, Meloni announced a comprehensive program to convert the debt of fragile and vulnerable countries into development investments. The initiative includes support for the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) funds and introduces debt suspension clauses in bilateral loans for nations affected by extreme weather events.
According to the Prime Minister, the measures will provide fiscal space for governments to support affected populations and rebuild critical infrastructure following climate-related disasters.
Italy is also prioritizing youth empowerment through expanded training programs in artificial intelligence, technical skills, and education. Meloni said these initiatives are designed to generate stable employment and address migration pressures by creating opportunities within African countries.
“To guarantee the right not to have to immigrate, it is necessary to offer concrete opportunities for training and work, to enhance human capital and improve the quality of education,” she stated.
Meloni underscored Italy’s commitment to peace and security across Africa, highlighting collaboration with the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union in mediation, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance efforts.
She cited ongoing crises in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as priority areas requiring coordinated international support.
Concluding her address, Meloni called for strengthened cooperation between Africa, Italy, and global partners to advance sustainable, people-centered development that respects local identities while fostering shared prosperity.
“Our mission is being put into practice in the many initiatives that Italy is promoting, including together with the African Union,” she said.
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