Rome’s strategic dance to reignite African ties
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Rome’s strategic dance to reignite African ties
Italy renews Algerian ties to strengthen future links with the African continent.
Last week Italy and Algeria met at the Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome, Italy, for a high-level intergovernmental summit and business forum in what was a strategic recalibration of historic ties between the countries, fuelled by Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
In total, 25 commercial agreements and 13 government-level accords were signed. Attending the event last week, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the Mattei Plan for Africa a “reignition of the Mattei spirit and Italy’s most strategic initiative.”
During the Italia–Algeria Business Forum, held in tandem with the intergovernmental summit, more than 500 Italian and Algerian companies met, reflecting the urgency to formalise economic and energy ties amid global instability.
Among the flurry of agreements, a new USD1.3-billion oil production-sharing deal between Eni and Sonatrach drew particular attention.
The bridge between Africa and Europe
There are also reports that Algeria has agreed to allow Italian telecom consortiums to co-finance and co-secure North African digital corridors, but these reports could still not be confirmed.
From corridor talk in Rome, Italy is positioning itself as Europe’s bridge to Africa, economically and geopolitically.
Several reports have also stated that Algeria and Italy agreed to cooperate closer on migration flow monitoring and counterterrorism.
South Africa a key strategic partner
In the southern part of Africa, South Africa has been identified as a key strategic partner for Italy.
Current talks between the two countries focus on enhancing trade, green transition cooperation, and investment, with both countries exploring deeper ties in technology, defense, and sustainable development. Infrastructure and green hydrogen are listed as shared priorities.
WhyAfrica will be on the ground in Italy
WhyAfrica will be on the ground as usual and report directly from Rome towards the end of this year specifically to explore how Italy’s Mattei Plan might shape the next chapter of African-European relations, starting with deepened cooperation between Italy, Algeria, South Africa and the African Union.
Remember WhyAfrica members will get regular updates and reports about these historic developments.
To become a WhyAfrica member, visit the WhyAfrica website, your one-stop shop for on the ground information and business intelligence about Africa.
The photo was taken in Rome earlier this year as talks between African countries and the EU about the energy transition in Africa got underway. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica
WhyAfrica specialises in the sustainable use and responsible development of Africa’s natural resources.
Rome’s strategic dance to reignite African ties
