Italy’s Ambitious Agenda for Africa Takes Center Stage at G7 Summit in Bari
Bari, Italy – As the Group of Seven (G7) leaders convene in Puglia, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is poised to elevate Africa as a pivotal focus of Italy’s foreign policy, aiming to establish the country as a crucial energy hub linking Europe and the continent. Despite ambitious plans, experts caution that clear vision and economic resources are essential for success.
The summit, expected to host twelve heads of state, will prioritize global politics with initial discussions centered on Africa, climate change, and development. Reflecting Meloni’s outreach strategy, a notable contingent from the Global South will participate, underscoring Italy’s broader geopolitical ambitions.
While geopolitical tensions such as Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Israel’s policies in Gaza dominate global discourse, Meloni emphasizes her flagship initiative, the Mat-tei Plan. This ambitious project seeks to enhance Italy’s influence in Africa by facilitating gas distribution from the continent and the Mediterranean to Europe, alongside promoting economic growth to mitigate migration pressures.
Meloni’s strategy leans heavily on investment partnerships with financial institutions, banks, and state-owned enterprises, sidelining traditional development approaches involving NGOs and humanitarian organizations. At the G7 summit, she aims to secure partnerships, funding, and international legitimacy to bolster Italy’s role in African affairs.
In summary, Italy under Meloni’s leadership seeks to assert itself as a significant player in African geopolitics through strategic energy projects and economic initiatives, leveraging the G7 platform to advance its ambitious geopolitical agenda.