Italy to Convert African Debt into Investments, Boost Skills, Infrastructure, and Water Projects – PM Meloni

Addis Ababa, February 14, 2026 (FMC) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pledged Italy’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with African nations, highlighting investments, debt relief, and development initiatives during her address at the opening of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

PM Meloni emphasized that Italy’s cooperation with Africa is built on equality, respect, and shared goals, rejecting approaches that impose external agendas or exploit resources. “True cooperation exists only in a relation between equals. If you look down on someone you cannot cooperate with them. If you want to plunder their resources you are not cooperating,” she said.

She highlighted the Matei Plan for Africa, Italy’s investment strategy implemented across multiple countries, focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, health, and training, with a special emphasis this year on water-related projects. The plan, she noted, is designed to support the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the creation of a continental free trade area through strengthened economic interconnections such as the Lobito Corridor railway and other infrastructure networks.

Addressing African debt challenges, PM Meloni announced a vast program to convert the debt of fragile and vulnerable countries into investments, coupled with support to the World Bank’s AIDA funds. She noted that bilateral loans now include debt suspension clauses for nations affected by extreme weather, providing fiscal space to assist populations and rebuild essential infrastructure.

The Italian Prime Minister further highlighted Italy’s focus on human capital development, particularly for youth, including training programs in artificial intelligence, technical skills, and education initiatives aimed at generating stable employment and reducing migration pressures. “To guarantee the right not to have to immigrate, it is necessary to offer concrete opportunities for training and work, to enhance human capital and improve the quality of education,” she said.

PM Meloni also underscored Italy’s commitment to supporting peace and stability across the continent. She highlighted collaboration with the African Union, United Nations, and European Union to strengthen mediation, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance, particularly in regions affected by instability such as Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

She concluded by calling for joint action between Africa, Italy, and global partners, aiming to create sustainable, people-centered development that respects local identities while building shared prosperity. “Our mission is being put into practice in the many initiatives that Italy is promoting, including together with the African Union,” she said.