Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The 2nd Italy‑Africa Summit is set to be held today in Addis Ababa, bringing together Italian and African leaders and high-level delegates to strengthen political and economic cooperation and review strategic partnerships.
The summit, co-hosted by the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Italian Republic, marks the first time the meeting is held on African soil. It precedes the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU Summit 2026), scheduled for February 14–15 in the Ethiopian capital.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa this morning to preside over the summit. Officials said the meeting will provide a platform to review progress under Italy’s development initiatives in Africa and identify areas for future collaboration, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Several African heads of state and government as well as senior officials have already arrived, alongside other continental leaders and high-level delegates.
According to Ethiopian government sources, the summit will provide an opportunity to foster political dialogue, advance economic engagement, and highlight strategic partnerships between Italy and African countries. Delegates are also expected to exchange experiences and best practices in areas of mutual interest.
Officials said the summit will be followed by bilateral discussions and serve as a platform for deeper cooperation ahead of the AU Summit 2026, underscoring Addis Ababa’s role as a hub for continental and international diplomacy.