Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently met with Tunisian President Kais Saied in Tunis for high-level talks aimed at deepening ties between the two countries. The discussion centered around Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa—an ambitious initiative focused on economic growth, energy partnerships, and managing irregular migration.
The Mattei Plan, named after a prominent Italian energy leader, reflects Italy’s vision for a new kind of partnership with Africa—one based on mutual benefit rather than exploitation. The initiative focuses on creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and investing in key areas such as education, healthcare, water access, agriculture, and energy. By supporting development directly in African nations, the plan aims to reduce the economic pressures that often drive people to migrate.
Migration remains a pressing challenge for Italy, which continues to receive large numbers of people arriving from North Africa each year. Meloni’s approach combines tighter border controls with long-term strategies to address the root causes of migration. Tunisia, often a departure point for migrants heading to Europe, plays a strategic role in this effort.
The talks in Tunis underlined the importance of stronger cooperation. Although specific new agreements weren’t revealed, both leaders made it clear that working together is essential for progress. The meeting also highlighted Italy’s intent to become a more prominent partner in Africa, blending development goals with broader regional interests.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership may depend on whether the promises of better opportunities and improved living standards materialize—particularly for young people across the African continent who might otherwise risk their lives in search of a future elsewhere.