The meeting between the Prime Minister of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni, and the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, took place during the G7 Heads of State and Government Summit in Puglia. They discussed joint initiatives to support Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa and the Rome Process on Migration and Development, agreed upon during the Italy-Africa Summit in Roma in January 2024.
Prime Minister Meloni stated, “Italy’s ‘Piano Mattei’ will create partnerships with African nations and institutions, with the African Development Bank Group as our key financial partner. This collaboration will support initiatives with Africa’s public and private sectors and provide opportunities for Italian businesses.”
President Adesina praised Prime Minister Meloni for launching the Mattei plan and choosing the African Development Bank Group as the strategic partner for its implementation. The partnership aims to deliver impactful development impacts in African countries, addressing energy access, climate change, food security, health services, skills development, and youth employment.
Key points from the meeting:
- Establishment of a Multi-donor Special Fund to support the Mattei Plan and the Rome Process on Migration and Development, with Italy and the United Arab Emirates making initial pledges.
- Bilateral agreement between Italy and the African Development Bank Group for joint projects in energy, water, agriculture, health, education, training, and infrastructure.
- Launch of the Growth and Resilience platform for Africa to promote private sector investments and job creation.
- Italy’s commitment to contributing to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa initiative.
The African Development Bank Group will oversee these initiatives to ensure effective implementation.
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About the African Development Bank Group:
The AfDB is Africa’s premier development finance institution, comprising three entities: the AfDB, ADF, and NTF. Operating in 34 African countries, the AfDB contributes to economic and social development in its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org