Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Maria Tripodi, took part in the G20 Compact with Africa meeting held in Berlin. The initiative, launched in 2017 to promote growth and improve living and working conditions in Africa, has been joined by ten countries in the region, International Financial Institutions and G20 members.
In her speech, the Undersecretary stressed how the continent’s growth plays a crucial role in combating extreme poverty, social tensions, unemployment, and mitigating the root causes of irregular migration flows to Europe.
Tripodi then described Italy’s vision for the continent’s growth, which is outlined in the “Mattei Plan” to be presented at the Italy-Africa Summit in 2024. Through this plan, Italy intends to launch numerous initiatives, ranging from energy transition to rural development, including the reinforcement of good governance, infrastructure development, and education and vocational training.
“Italy’s partnership approach with the continent”, reminded Tripodi, “is still based on an articulate and equal vision, focused on cooperation and fully aware of the great potential of African countries”.