The “Italian-African Summit” will commence tomorrow, Friday, in Addis Ababa. This is the second summit at the level of heads of state and government following the Rome summit in January 2024.
This summit, being held for the first time in Africa, coincides with the African Union summit. It will precede by one day the meeting of the heads of state and government of the African Union, which will be attended by the Italian Prime Minister, who is participating as a guest of honor.
The summit will also be attended by a number of heads of state and government from across the African continent. Representatives from international organizations and international financial institutions with which strategic partnerships have been established and strengthened over the past two years will also attend.
Representatives from Italian financial institutions, some key figures from the Italian business community, and civil society organizations involved in the initiatives will also participate.
Implementation of Ongoing Initiatives and Development Prospects
The summit will begin at the Addis Ababa Conference Center. Opening remarks will be delivered by the Italian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed in his capacity as the host head of state, and the United Nations Secretary-General. This will be followed by an introductory session for speeches from the heads of state and government of the fourteen countries directly involved in the “Mattei Plan,” which is designed as an opportunity for political discussion on the implementation of ongoing initiatives and the development prospects of existing partnerships.
Afterwards, the floor will be opened for remarks from other invited officials at the level of heads of state and government. The meeting will conclude with remarks from representatives of international organizations and international financial institutions (the African Development Bank and the World Bank).
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During her speech, the Italian Prime Minister will reaffirm Italy’s ambition to be the optimal bridge between Europe and Africa, the importance of the African continent in the new global geopolitical balance, Italy’s support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and its commitment to fostering a partnership based on shared responsibility, shared growth, and innovative financial tools.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city of Ethiopia, founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II. It serves as the political and diplomatic center of Africa, hosting the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy, founded according to legend in 753 BC, and it grew to become the centre of the vast Roman Empire. It is renowned as an eternal city for its immense historical and cultural heritage, including iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Vatican City.
Africa
Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, widely recognized as the birthplace of humanity, with fossil evidence tracing the origins of Homo sapiens back hundreds of thousands of years. It is home to countless diverse cultures and historic sites, from the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mali to the natural wonders of the Serengeti and Victoria Falls.
African Union
The African Union (AU) is a continental union of 55 member states, established in 2002 to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU) founded in 1963. Its primary aims are to promote unity, peace, and socio-economic development across the continent, guided by a vision of an integrated, prosperous Africa driven by its own citizens.
Addis Ababa Conference Center
The Addis Ababa Conference Center, opened in 1963, is a landmark building in Ethiopia’s capital originally constructed to host the inaugural summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). It has since served as a major diplomatic venue for continental and international meetings, symbolizing Africa’s post-colonial unity and diplomatic engagement.
Mattei Plan
The Mattei Plan is an Italian-led international cooperation initiative launched in 2023, aiming to foster development and energy transition in Africa. It is named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of Italy’s state-owned energy company ENI, who advocated for more equitable energy partnerships with producing countries in the mid-20th century. The plan seeks to position Italy as a key bridge between Europe and Africa, focusing on sustainable growth and mutual economic benefits.
African Development Bank
The African Development Bank is a regional multilateral development finance institution established in 1964 to promote sustainable economic development and social progress across its African member countries. Headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, its history includes providing financial and technical assistance for infrastructure, private sector, and governance projects to reduce poverty on the continent.
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution founded in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference to help rebuild nations after World War II. Its primary mission has since evolved to focus on providing loans, grants, and expertise to developing countries for projects aimed at reducing poverty and fostering sustainable economic development.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the transformative periods of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, and the profound impacts of two world wars. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse artistic heritage, architectural landmarks, and as the birthplace of influential movements in philosophy, science, and politics.
