Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stood before African leaders in Rome this January, unveiling her ambitious “Mattei Plan”—a €5.5 billion initiative aimed at tackling the root causes of migration by investing directly in Africa’s economic growth. Named after Enrico Mattei, a post-war energy pioneer, the plan signals a strategic shift: build opportunity at the source so young Africans aren’t forced to make the perilous trek across the Mediterranean.
Meloni’s government came to power pledging tough migration measures. But in recent months, she’s added a softer tone—one rooted in partnership.
“We talk about the right to emigrate, but rarely about the right not to be forced to emigrate,” she declared.
Her vision is not just rhetoric. Projects span big infrastructure—like a €320 million investment in the DRC–Angola Lobito Corridor—to grassroots training programs, from building schools in Ethiopia to vocational classes educating future technicians. These efforts aim to give communities real opportunities at home, reducing the desperation that often fuels migration .
Meloni, leaning into Italy’s geographical position—its “foot in the Mediterranean”—sees Rome as the perfect bridge linking Europe and Africa. She’s promising collaboration without colonial overtones:
“A cooperation of equals… far from any predatory temptation,” she stressed .
That message resonates in Addis Ababa, where the plan is already funding schools and tech training. Local students, like trainee Eyob Hailemichael, describe the opportunities as life-changing.
Word of cautious optimism soon met criticism. African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat reminded Meloni that promises must become actions. African leaders want clarity—where exactly will the funds go, and will they deliver meaningful economic change ?
There’s also tension back home. Some human rights groups argue the Mattei Plan doesn’t fully address Italy’s tougher stance on refugees and NGO-led rescue missions—where centers in Tunisia, Albania, and partnerships with Libyan coastguards are in full swing .
Meloni hopes the Mattei Plan will:
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Create jobs—through infrastructure and skills training.
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Reduce migration pressure—by offering attractive local alternatives.
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Forge a model for balanced, Africa–Europe cooperation.
Europe’s skeptical gaze will sharpen as projects unfold. Will the money reach communities? Can it stimulate real, lasting change? Will it reduce migration enough to balance the hardline immigration tactics?
For now, Meloni is betting on Africa’s potential—and Italy’s renewed role in naming it. In her words:
“Whatever happens in Africa, it will come to us.”
In this evolving story of shared futures, the test isn’t headlines—it’s results. Young Africans deserve every chance to thrive at home, and Europe needs partnerships built on action, not fear. Whether the Mattei Plan delivers both remains to be seen.
