Danny Aeberhard
Tuesday January 30, 2024
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa was among the African leaders being hosted by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced details of a proposed partnership with African countries encompassing energy, investment and agreements on migration.
She presented what's called the "Mattei Plan" to parliament and a summit of African leaders.
Her government says it'll commit $60bn (£40.7bn) initially.
Ms Meloni's right-wing government has struggled to implement promises to clamp down on irregular migration.
She's promoting investment in African economies as a way of reducing the need to migrate.
She also wants to turn Italy into an energy hub linking North African suppliers with Europe.
One senior African attendee - the head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat - stressed the continent needed actions, not words.