Giorgia Meloni pledged deeper cooperation with African nations at Italy’s second Africa summit held in Addis Ababa on Friday.
The gathering marked the first time the summit convened on African soil, signalling Rome’s intent to reset ties.
The meeting reviewed projects launched under the Mattei Plan, targeting energy, infrastructure and long-term economic development.
Unveiled in 2024, the plan promotes investment-driven partnerships over traditional aid models often criticised as paternalistic.
Addressing dozens of African leaders, Meloni said future success would rely on Italy’s “ability to draw from African wisdom.”
“We want to build things together,” she declared, promising alignment with countries’ specific needs and priorities.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described Italy’s outreach as a gateway linking Africa more closely to Europe.
“This is a moment to move from dialogue to action,” Abiy said, urging practical cooperation over symbolic gestures.
He said Africa’s youthful dynamism combined with Europe’s capital and technology could deliver prosperity across continents.
Following the summit, leaders will remain in Addis Ababa for the annual African Union summit beginning Saturday.
Observers cautioned that lofty promises must translate into measurable outcomes to avoid becoming diplomatic theatre.
Kenyan analyst Nanjala Nyabola said meaningful results depend on thorough preparation and clearly defined national priorities.
African governments, she argued, often prioritise optics over substance when engaging in high-profile summits.
Instead, she urged states to present mapped national needs and pursue structured dialogue on implementation.
According to Italy, the Mattei Plan now involves 14 African countries and nearly 100 projects.
These initiatives span energy transition, agriculture, digital infrastructure, health care, water management, education and artificial intelligence development.