Italy, through the Mattei Plan, is strengthening its economic presence in Africa, signaling its ambition to become a strategic player in the continent’s development while safeguarding its economic interests. Presented during the 2026 Italy‑Africa Business Week (IABW), the plan marks a shift in Italy’s Africa policy, moving from traditional development aid to a strategy focused on investment, economic partnerships, and shared value creation.
Officially launched in 2024, the Mattei Plan involves an initial commitment of €5.5 billion to finance projects in key sectors such as infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, professional training, healthcare, and technological innovation. Investments are primarily targeted at North and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on countries exhibiting high growth potential and relative stability, enabling the deployment of pilot projects with high added value.
The strategy relies on a public-private cooperation model, involving international financial institutions like the African Development Bank and private European and international investors. This approach aims to reduce financial risks while mobilizing additional capital to support economic diversification and industrialization across the continent. Projections suggest that the Mattei Plan could generate tens of thousands of local jobs and stimulate the development of technology-intensive industries, particularly in agri-business and energy infrastructure.
Beyond economics, the plan carries significant geopolitical implications. Italy seeks to strengthen its role as a bridge between Europe and Africa, as the continent becomes central to global supply chains, food security, and technological innovation. The Mattei Plan thus serves as a strategic instrument to enhance Italian and European influence, while offering African countries opportunities for financing and technology transfer.
Implementation of the plan also includes strict monitoring of sustainability and social impact. Italy aims to promote inclusive growth aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on professional training, reducing inequalities, and creating skilled jobs. Pilot programs in sustainable agriculture are designed to modernize local practices, increase productivity, and enhance resilience against climate change.
Finally, the Mattei Plan illustrates the gradual shift of African economies toward a model where the private sector and international investment play a central role. The strategy could inspire other European and Asian powers to develop similar partnerships, intensifying competition for African markets while boosting local economic growth and diversification.
In summary, the Mattei Plan goes beyond a mere investment program: it represents a comprehensive strategy combining economic development, innovation, sustainability, and geopolitical influence. For Africa, it offers a major opportunity to mobilize financial and technical resources, strengthen local capacities, and accelerate sustainable long-term growth.
