Italian PM Meloni Urges End To Africa’s Exploitation, Champions €5.5bn Mattei Plan.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a bold call to halt the exploitation of Africa by foreign powers, advocating for the continent’s economic independence and self-sufficiency. Speaking passionately about Africa’s untapped potential, Meloni argued that Africans should not need to migrate to Europe or the United States to thrive, provided their continent is liberated from external control.
Meloni singled out the CFA franc, a currency used by 14 West and Central African nations and managed by France, as a symbol of colonial dominance. She described it as a mechanism that stifles true economic freedom, preventing African nations from fully harnessing their wealth. “Africa is not a poor continent,” Meloni declared. “It is rich in resources, talent, and potential. What it needs is partnership, not charity, from Europe.”
In January 2024, Meloni unveiled the €5.5 billion Mattei Plan, an ambitious initiative named after Enrico Mattei, the Italian oil magnate who championed anti-colonial energy policies. The plan focuses on fostering development in Africa through investments in energy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. By promoting growth and opportunities at home, Meloni aims to address the root causes of irregular migration to Europe, a key issue for her administration.
The Mattei Plan has been met with a mixed response. Several African leaders have welcomed the initiative, with some praising Italy’s commitment to mutual cooperation. At a summit in Rome last year, leaders from countries such as Senegal and Kenya expressed optimism but urged Meloni to ensure the partnership is genuine and respectful, avoiding the pitfalls of past interventions. “We want collaboration that empowers, not dictates,” one African diplomat noted.
However, critics have raised concerns about the plan’s underlying motives. Some analysts suggest it prioritises Italy’s strategic interests, particularly securing energy supplies and curbing migration flows across the Mediterranean. Others have warned of potential neocolonial undertones, pointing to Italy’s continued engagement with authoritarian regimes in Africa. “Development aid must not become a tool for control or influence,” said a spokesperson for an African civil society group.
Meloni has defended the initiative, insisting it represents a new model of cooperation. “We are not here to exploit or lecture,” she said. “Our goal is to build bridges, create opportunities, and support Africa’s rise as an equal partner on the global stage.”
The Mattei Plan includes specific projects, such as renewable energy developments in North Africa and vocational training programmes in West Africa, with Italy already allocating €3 billion in public funds and leveraging private investment for the remainder. Early results, including a solar energy partnership in Tunisia, have been cited as proof of concept, though critics argue it is too soon to judge the plan’s long-term impact.
Meloni’s outspoken criticism of the CFA franc has also sparked debate. While some African economists agree that the currency’s peg to the euro and French oversight limits monetary autonomy, others caution that dismantling it without robust alternatives could destabilise fragile economies. The issue remains a contentious point in France-Africa relations, with Paris defending the CFA franc as a stabilising force.
As Italy prepares to host the G7 summit in June 2025, Meloni is expected to push the Mattei Plan as a blueprint for global engagement with Africa. Her vision of a self-reliant Africa, free from foreign exploitation, has resonated with some, but its success will hinge on delivering tangible results and navigating the complex dynamics of international cooperation.
For now, Meloni’s message is clear: Africa’s future lies in its own hands, and Europe must play a supporting, not controlling, role. As one Italian official put it, “This is about respect, partnership, and recognising Africa’s rightful place in the world.”
