Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hosted European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in Rome Friday for a summit focused on boosting African economies.
The meeting aimed to curb illegal migration by addressing root causes driving young Africans to risk dangerous journeys to Europe.
Meloni unveiled a €5.5 billion ($6.3 billion) plan targeting 14 African countries, including Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, to support industries from energy to healthcare.
She sought alignment with the EU’s Global Gateway programme, designed partly to counter China’s growing influence on the continent.
Von der Leyen highlighted Africa’s need for its talents, skills, entrepreneurs, and labour force during their joint press conference.
EU-Italy commitments concentrate on the Lobito Corridor railway and Blue-Raman communications system, valued at €1.2 billion, intended to boost intra-African trade.
African Union chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed the investments, calling the corridor a strategic step for regional commerce.
The plan also aims to deepen Italy-Africa trade ties in energy, as Rome seeks alternatives following the war in Ukraine.
However, African Union chief Moussa Faki Mahamat warned that promises alone cannot sustain progress on the continent.
Experts caution that Italy’s funding is insufficient to significantly reduce migration by creating jobs and growth.
Giovanni Carbone of the University of Milan said Italy’s contributions are not at the right scale to make a lasting impact.
Simone Ogno of NGO ReCommon criticized the plan, suggesting it primarily benefits large Italian fossil fuel companies.
Major Italian firms such as Eni, Terna, and Bonifiche Ferraresi are involved in the investment projects.
According to Frontex, irregular EU border crossings dropped 38 percent last year, with Central Mediterranean arrivals to Italy down 59 percent.
The summit reflects a complex blend of economic ambition, migration control, and geopolitical maneuvering shaping Europe-Africa relations today.
