In a significant diplomatic move, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki will participate in the Italy-Africa Forum to be held on 28th and 29th January in Rome. The forum, to be attended by 23 heads of state and government from Africa along with representatives from various international organizations, markes a crucial step towards fostering collaboration and development initiatives between Italy and African nations.
The Italy-Africa Forum, a brainchild of Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, aimed to strengthen ties between Italy and African countries while also garnering support from international partners. The event witnessed the participation of high-profile delegates, including ministers of foreign affairs, representatives from the European Union, and leaders from prominent international organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, and UN agencies.
One of the focal points of the forum is the unveiling of the Mattei Plan, a strategic initiative devised by the Italian government to mobilize significant funds for development projects in Africa. The plan, named after Italian statesman Enrico Mattei, is aimed to secure approximately 4 billion euros of Italian investment over the next 5 to 7 years. Notably, the initiative received early endorsements from countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating a promising start towards its implementation.
President Isaias Afewerki’s presence at the forum will underscore Eritrea’s commitment to engaging in regional and international cooperation efforts. Eritrea, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has often been at the forefront of regional stability initiatives and is now poised to play a crucial role in fostering economic development and partnerships with Italy and other African nations.
The participation of diverse African leaders and international stakeholders highlightes the collective resolve to address the continent’s pressing challenges and explore avenues for sustainable growth and prosperity. The forum provides a platform for constructive dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action, setting the stage for future engagements and partnerships between Italy, Africa, and the international community.
The official list of participants is as follows.
1. TOGO (Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé)
2. REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (Denis Sassou-N’Guesso)
3. ZIMBABWE (Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagw)
4. ERITREA (Isaias Afewerki)
5. CHAD (Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno)
6. SENEGAL (Macky Sall)
7. CAR (Faustin-Archange Touadera)
8. GUINEA-BISSAU (Umaro Sissoco Embaló)
9. MAURITANIA (Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani)
10. SOMALIA (Hassan Sheikh Mohamud)
11. COMOROS (Azali Assoumani)
12. KENYA (William Samoei Ruto)
13.MOZAMBIQUE (Filipe Jacinto Nyusi)
14. TUNISIA (Kaïs Saïed)
15. GHANA (Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo)
1. SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE (Patrice Trovoada)
2. ETIOPIA (Abiy Ahmed Ali)
3. ESWATINI (Russell M. Dlamini)
4. CAPO VERDE (José Ulisses Correia e Silva)
5. UGANDA (Robinah Nabbanja)
6. LIBIA (Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibeh)
7. DJIBOUTI (Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed)
8. RWANDA (Edouard Ngirente)
1. MALAWI (Nancy Tembo)
2. ALGERIA (Ahmed Attaf)
3. TANZANIA (January Y. Makamba)
4. SUD SUDAN (James Pitia Mogga Morgan)
5. DRC (Christophe Lutundula, also VPM)
1 EQUATORIAL GUINEA (VP, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue)
2 GAMBIA (VP, Muhammad B.S. Jallow)
3 ANGOLA (Min. for the Economic Coordination José de Lima Massano)
4 BENIN (Min. of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni)
5 COSTA D’AVORIO (VP, Tiémoko Meyliet Kone)
6 MAURITIUS (Amb. Vijayen Valaydon)
7 SEYCHELLES (Ambassador to Ethiopia, Conrad Mederic)
8 NAMIBIA (Amb. Albertus Aochamub)
9 SUD AFRICA Alvin Botes (Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation)
10 EGITTO (Minister for the International Cooperation)
11. BURUNDI (VP Prosper Bazombanza)
1. IRENA (DG Francesco La Camera)
2. FAO (DG QU Dongyu)
3. IMF (ED Kristalina Georgieva)
4. UAC (Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat)
5. UNECA (EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Claver Gatete)
6. IOM (DG Amy Pope)
7. WFP (ED Cindy Hensley McCain)
8. IEA (ED Fatih Birol)
9. AfDB (PRESIDENT Akinwumi A. Adesina)
10. IFAD (PRESIDENT Alvaro Lario)
11. EU (PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, Roberta Metsola)
12. EU (PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION Ursula von Der Leyen)
13. EU (PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL Charles Michel)
14. UNODC (ED Ghada Waly)
15. UNIDO (DG Gerd Mueller)
16. IDLO (DG Jan Beagle)
1. OECD (DSG Fabrizia Lapecorella)
2. WORLD BANK (SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR Axel van Trotsenburg)
3. UNICEF (REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA Etleva Kadilli)
4. UNHCR (ASSISTANT HIGH COMMISSIONER Raouf Mazou)
5. UN (DSG Amina Jane Mohammed)
6. UNESCO (ADG Stefania Giannini)
7. EIB (VP Gelsomina Vigliotti)
As the world navigates complex geopolitical dynamics and strives for inclusive development, forums like the Italy-Africa Forum serve as crucial mechanisms for fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and collective action. The active involvement of leaders like President Isaias Afewerki signifies a shared commitment to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity across borders, reaffirming the importance of diplomatic engagement and multilateralism in addressing global challenges.
In conclusion, the Italy-Africa Forum represents a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between Italy, Africa, and international partners. By fostering dialogue, cooperation, and investment in development initiatives, the forum lays the groundwork for inclusive growth, regional stability, and enhanced collaboration in the years to come. As nations continue to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world, such forums serve as invaluable platforms for forging meaningful partnerships and driving positive change on a global scale.