Seizing the Moment: Italy’s Mattei Plan and Africa’s Path to Prosperity

The Mattei Plan: A critical Inflection Point

This week’s announcements in Rome could mark the beginning of a new era in Africa–Europe relations. Hosted by the Italian government and the European Commission, the event – The Mattei Plan for Africa and the Global Gateway brought together African heads of state, international organizations, and financial institutions to lay the groundwork for a different kind of development partnership — one built on shared prosperity, not paternalistic aid.

At the heart of these discussions is the Mattei Plan, Italy’s flagship initiative aimed at repositioning itself as a leading player in Africa’s sustainable development. Through it, Italy seeks to move from words to action by combining debt relief with transformative investments across climate, digitalization, agriculture, and energy.

Amidst these high-level engagements, Joseph Nganga, CEO of Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, a seasoned African investor, philanthropist, and climate leader, shared a compelling video message at a closed-door roundtable hosted by ECCO think tank, Italy’s leading climate think tank. His message was clear: we face a choice between two futures, and the time to choose is now.

Two Futures, One Continent

“Picture this,” Joseph began. In one future, Africa embraces artificial intelligence and renewable energy, becoming home to climate-smart farms, digitally connected clean energy systems, and dynamic economies. In this future, Italy becomes a primary trade partner to a booming Africa, with luxury brands like Ferragamo thriving in Lagos and Nairobi. Peace is strengthened, and migration is reduced because people have opportunity at home.”

Then comes the warning: the alternative future, where climate change devastates crops, floods wipe out infrastructure, and AI, left unchecked, widens inequality. In this world, climate refugees flee en masse, not for hope but survival, met at Europe’s borders by AI-powered security systems instead of compassion and cooperation.

This dual vision is a very real crossroads. And as Joseph pointed out, “we have a short window to act.”

The Mattei Plan, named after Enrico Mattei, the visionary founder of Italy’s ENI energy company, has been positioned by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a transformative new framework for Italy–Africa relations. Rather than focusing purely on aid, the plan focuses on investment, co-development, and opportunity.

A major highlight from the Rome event was the announcement of a new debt-relief mechanism: Italy and the European Commission pledged to convert the debts of Africa’s least developed countries into development projects over the next decade. For low- and middle-income African nations, debt will be reduced by 50%, a significant shift from traditional finance paradigms.

“These steps are not aid,” Joseph emphasized. “They are investments in Italy’s security and prosperity.”

What makes the Mattei Plan particularly timely is its emphasis on green growth and artificial intelligence, two levers that Africa can use to leapfrog traditional development trajectories.

Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Climate Resilience

Joseph’s message underscored the transformative power of AI in tackling Africa’s most pressing climate and development challenges. Already, Enel Green Power, an Italian energy company, is deploying AI-driven microgrids in Ethiopia under the Mattei Plan. These systems analyze solar and wind patterns to deliver clean, consistent power to remote areas, creating jobs and building community stability.

This kind of innovation, Joseph explained, isn’t just about access to electricity. It’s about preventing social conflict, ensuring youth employment, and enabling food security through precision agriculture.

But to make this vision a reality, Joseph called on Italian lawmakers to take four specific steps:

Fund AI-enabled climate solutions such as smart grids and sustainable farming.
Build partnerships that bring Italy’s technological expertise into African innovation ecosystems.
Craft ethical AI legislation that promotes innovation without excessive red tape.
Lead globally by positioning Italy as a founding nation of green, inclusive development.

A New Social Contract Between Africa and Europe

Joseph’s message was not one of dependency but of mutual benefit.

“A thriving Africa means fewer refugees, stronger trade, and a safer Mediterranean.”

The 1.2 billion euros in agreements signed during the event spanning energy, agriculture, AI, and infrastructure show commitment. But as he reminded the room, “the devil is in the details.” Announcements must translate into real, measurable results.

The vision of the Mattei Plan is bold, but so is the moment. With the climate crisis accelerating and geopolitical tensions rising, Africa and Europe can no longer afford transactional relationships. What’s needed is a long-term commitment to shared peace, resilience, and innovation.

Toward Peace and Abundance

The Mattei Plan can either become a model of 21st-century diplomacy rooted in sustainability and equity, or another missed opportunity.

With visionary leadership and bold action, Italy has the chance to lead Europe in forging a new, empowered relationship with Africa. As Joseph concluded, “Seize this incredible moment. Let Italy lead its citizens and the world towards peace and abundance not regret.”

2025