Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli chaired the fifth 2024 meeting of the Joint Development Cooperation Committee, which approved a package of interventions worth EUR 720 million.
Africa is confirmed as the main recipient of Italian Cooperation interventions, with two initiatives promoted by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti being especially important. The first initiative, implemented with the financial support of the European Commission and in collaboration with the FAO, is aimed at the development and sustainable transition of food systems globally and especially in Africa. The second, having the financial support of the multilateral development bank Africa Finance Corporation, is aimed at supporting the implementation of infrastructure projects by promoting the commercial penetration of Italian companies interested in expanding their activities on the African continent.
On the proposal of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency, the Joint Committee also approved initiatives in the environmental, youth employment support, SME, agriculture, health, and digital services sectors in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mali. With regard to other areas of the world, a Cassa Depositi e Prestiti project concerning the energy security and green transition sectors in Kazakhstan is also to be implemented.
Multilateral initiatives include funding to CIHEAM Bari, OECD, and IOM relating to food security, the fight against fiscal crime, and climate change, as well as two contributions to UNFPA and UNICEF for the elimination of female genital mutilation and early and forced marriage.
