The Mattei Plan, led by the Italian government, stands out from previous initiatives due to its practicality and achievable goals. Rather than simply listing good intentions and principles, the plan outlines tangible objectives with a clear timeline for implementation.
In recognition of the magnitude of the challenge at hand, the government enlisted a diverse representation of the Italian System to collaborate on the Mattei Plan. Confcommercio, among others, was called upon to contribute, and their proposals and support were acknowledged. In particular, Meloni expressed gratitude for their efforts in areas like professional training.
President Sangalli and Confcommercio were recognized for their advocacy in involving the Italian private sector in Africa through the Mattei Plan. Meloni emphasized the importance of collaboration between Italy and African nations in fostering mutually beneficial economic systems. She highlighted Italy’s commitment to supporting internationalization and investment in Africa through funding from the SIMEST Fund that incentivizes investments in small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Mattei Plan is organized into six key focus areas: education, health, agriculture, water, energy, and infrastructure. Initial pilot projects are already underway in nine African countries, marking a significant milestone in implementing and measuring its impact.
Italy has played a crucial role at the G7 Summit by advocating for innovative financial instruments and strategic partnerships for investment in Africa. Collaborative efforts with organizations such as the African Development Bank have paved the way for sustainable development projects in sectors like infrastructure and renewable energy.
Meloni concluded by expressing optimism about the potential of the Mattei Plan to transform intentions into concrete outcomes. By leveraging Italian companies’ strengths and fostering equal collaboration with African nations, this initiative aims to create sustainable development opportunities for both regions.
