Italy, in collaboration with the European Union, has unveiled a new debt-relief initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the plan during a high-level summit held at Villa Doria Pamphili in Rome, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and representatives from African nations and global institutions.
The initiative seeks to convert approximately €235 million ($270 million) of African debt into locally implemented development projects over a 10-year period. According to Meloni, the program is designed to address the underlying causes of mass migration by supporting economic growth and social stability in African countries.
Meloni emphasized the urgency of addressing African debt, warning that it could “undermine all other efforts” for development if left unaddressed. As part of the plan, Italy and the EU aim to reduce the debt burden of low- and middle-income African countries by up to 50%, although further details are yet to be disclosed.
The debt-relief scheme complements Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, launched in 2023, which prioritizes investment in key sectors such as agriculture and energy. Named after Enrico Mattei, founder of the Italian energy company Eni, the plan is seen as central to Italy’s broader strategy to reposition itself as a major development partner on the continent.
The EU’s involvement is framed under its Global Gateway strategy—an investment initiative launched in 2021 as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The strategy aims to foster resilient infrastructure and sustainable partnerships around the globe.
During the summit, Rome also announced bilateral deals with African states valued at €1.2 billion. Key projects include funding for a road and rail corridor linking the Angolan port of Lobito with Zambia and the mineral-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region of strategic importance for global supply chains.
Von der Leyen highlighted the collaboration as a practical embodiment of shared political will and vision, stating, “We are turning political will into reality on the ground.”
Progress will be reviewed at the Global Gateway Forum scheduled for October 9–10, 2025, in Brussels.
