Zimbabwe: President Emmerson Mnangagwa left today for Italy to attend the first Africa-Italy Summit. There, he will be conjoined by the African heads of state for the Summit.
The Summit will include a discussion related to the world focusing on investing in African countries. Along with investment, the world nations seek more ways to partner with companies on the continent.
However, Italy is all set to unveil its plan to work with the continent for this upcoming week at the Italy-Africa Summit.
According to the sources, over 50 delegates from Africa and international organisations from the European Union are expected to attend the summit.
Italy, a European country, seeks to partner with other countries in various sectors, including energy, health, and education.
According to the reports, Italy is making a non-predatory approach as it desires to initiate a partnership with Africa.
Moreover, for Zimbabwe, energy is the key source, as the country seeks to grow its economy and boost the security of food.
Reportedly, Vice President Kemo Mohadi has been appointed as the acting President until Jan 31, 2024. At the Italy-Africa summit, the authorities in Rome are expected to present a strategic partnership which aims to improve trade, particularly in the area of energy, diplomacy and migration.
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka and Senior Government officials.
According to further reports, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to present a strategic plan for the African continent, including energy cooperation.
The official scheme to initiate the partnership is the ‘Mattei plan’, named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of the state-controlled energy group ENI (ENI.MI). It is expected to lay the ground for cooperation beyond the energy sector.
Notably, the summit is expected to give impetus to the Second Republic’s thrust to achieve energy sufficiency for sustained economic growth.
Additionally, Italy will take over the presidency of the Group of Seven (G&) nations in 2024 and has taken the pledge to make Africa a central theme over other nations.