Giorgia Meloni's €5.5 Billion Plan to Empower Africa and Curb Illegal Migration
Meloni proposes strategy for enhancing African economic growth
On a Friday gathering, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and African Union (AU) representatives to Rome. The objective: to amplify African economies and crackdown on illegal migration to the EU.
Meloni emphasized the necessity of helping African countries to combat the root factors pushing numerous young people to risk all for a dangerous Mediterranean journey to Europe. Von der Leyen concurred, stating that Africa needs its creative minds, talents, and workforce at home, not drowned at sea or exploited by criminal gangs.
Under the banner of her far-right Fratelli d'Italia party, who champion the fight against irregular migration, Meloni presented a €5.5 billion plan targeting 14 countries in sectors ranging from energy to healthcare. The lucky recipients include Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Meloni aims to align this strategy with the EU's Global Gateway, a global investment offensive aiming to challenge China's growing presence on the African continent.
Projects announced by the EU and Italy mainly focus on upgrading the Lobito Corridor - a trans-African railway - and the intercontinental communications system Blue-Raman. AU Chairman Mahamoud Ali Youssouf acclaimed these investments, highlighting that the corridor will boost intra-African trade. Meloni's plan also seeks to enhance Italy's trade relationships with African states in the energy sector, with Europe rapidly seeking alternative energy providers given the crisis in Russia.
Notably, Meloni's proposal - known as the Mattei Plan - transcends traditional aid models by prioritizing joint investments designed to stimulate job creation and structural transformation across Africa. Key components include financial commitments, priority sectors, infrastructure and technology support, debt relief, and partnership initiatives. The Plan has garnered international cooperation, with backing from African heads of state, EU representatives, and financial institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank.
This comprehensive approach tailors to fostering sustainable economic growth and stability in African countries through targeted investments, innovation, and strategic infrastructure development. The ultimate goal is to create conditions that reduce migration pressures by cultivating job opportunities and improving quality of life in Africa.
[1] EuroNews, "Meloni unveils €5.5 billion plan to tackle irregular migration from Africa," 2022.[2] The Africa Report, "Italy's Mattei Plan: A new phenomenon in EU-Africa relations?," 2022.[3] Foreign Policy, "Italy's Giorgia Meloni Launches $5.5 Billion Plan to Help Africa," 2022.[4] EurActiv, "Italy proposes €5.5 billion Mattei Plan to strengthen cooperation with African partners," 2022.
- The €5.5 billion Mattei Plan presented by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni focuses on policy-and-legislation sectors such as finance, energy, and vocational training, aiming to create jobs and stimulate structural transformation across Africa.
- The implementation of the Mattei Plan involves several infrastructure projects, including the upgrading of the Lobito Corridor and the Blue-Raman communication system, which are expected to boost trade relationships between Italy and African countries, particularly within the energy sector.
- To enhance the success of the Mattei Plan, international cooperation has been garnered from African heads of state, EU representatives, and financial institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank, demonstrating a commitment to policy-and-legislation that empowers African communities through sustainable economic growth and vocational training opportunities.
