Putting Down Roots: Meloni Outlines Strategy for Revitalizing Africa and Curtailing EU Immigration
Strengthening Economic Development Agenda Proposed by Meloni for Africa
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently hosted Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, and representatives from the African Union (AU) in Rome. Their meeting's goal? Strengthening African economies and reducing illegal immigration to the EU.
Meloni announced at a press conference that the objective is to tackle the root issues driving African youth to pay criminal organizations for risky Mediterranean crossings. Von der Leyen echoed this, stating, "Africa certainly needs its innovators, talents, and workforce."
Meloni's party, the Brothers of Italy, has made stemming irregular immigration a main priority – but her approach is more than just a stopgap. She's launched a €5.5 billion plan to invest in 14 countries, impacting various sectors from energy to healthcare. Countries like Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Senegal are poised to receive support. Meloni aims to align her plan with the EU's Global Gateway investment campaign, which seeks to counter China's growing influence in Africa.
The EU and Italy's collaborative plans primarily revolve around modernizing the Lobito Corridor - a trans-African railway - and the ongoing Blue-Raman intercontinental communications system[1]. This would boost intra-African trade, according to AU Chairman Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Meloni's strategy also concentrates on fortifying trade relationships with African countries in the energy sector, as Italy grapples with gas shortages due to Russia's aggression[2].
The €5.5 billion plan, also known as the Mattei Plan, focuses on strategic joint investments rather than traditional aid[1]. This initiative prioritizes energy (especially renewable energy), agriculture, education, healthcare, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to drive growth and stimulate development across the continent[1][2]. Meloni's strategy aims to foster equal partnerships and mutual benefits, helping African citizens succeed in their home countries, thus addressing the root causes of illegal immigration[2].
References:
- time.com>5254732
- theafro.com>italian-prime-minister-giorgia-meloni-announces-5-5-billion-plan-to-back-african-economies/
- reuters.com>europe-italy-africa-summit=oakd6nztvx
- bbc.com>italys-giorgia-meloni-announces-5-5bn-plan-to-help-african-economies-grow>
- en.wikipedia.org>lobito-corridor
- gsma.com>submarine-cables?utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=submarine-cables
- Meloni's strategy for revitalizing Africa involves a €5.5 billion plan, known as the Mattei Plan, focusing on sectors like energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, and emerging technologies, with the goal of fostering equal partnerships and addressing the root causes of illegal immigration.
- To strengthen African economies and reduce EU immigration, Meloni plans to align her investment strategy with the EU's Global Gateway investment campaign and concentrate on fortifying trade relationships in the energy sector, addressing current gas shortages due to Russia's aggression.
- Part of Meloni's strategy also includes modernizing the Lobito Corridor, a trans-African railway, and the Blue-Raman intercontinental communications system, aiming to boost intra-African trade and improve general news regarding the continent's economic development.
