Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is set to host the Second Italy–Africa Summit this afternoon, marking the first time the high-level summit is convened on African soil.
The gathering brings together heads of state, government officials, and business leaders to deepen political and economic partnerships under Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, a framework launched in 2024 to foster structured, long-term cooperation with the continent.
The event takes place at a pivotal moment as Africa asserts its growing influence on the global stage and strives to secure its rightful place in a rapidly shifting world order.
Convened alongside the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the forum underscores Addis Ababa’s role as the diplomatic capital of Africa and a hub for multilateral engagement.
Ethiopia, co-hosting the summit with the Italian government, highlighted the country’s role as a bridge between Italy and the continent.
“Guided by the spirit of Medemer, Ethiopia bridges Italy and Africa as it co-hosts the Second Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa. As the Land of Origins, we gather to advance shared progress—strengthening political and economic ties while fostering trade, innovation, and investment across Africa,” the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia stated.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized Italy’s commitment to deepening engagement with Africa during her annual year-opening press conference.
“This summit is a key milestone in Italy’s partnership with the continent,” she said, signaling increased investment, technological collaboration, and joint economic initiatives under the Mattei Plan.
The summit’s agenda focuses on sustainable development, infrastructure, energy, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Economic discussions are expected to prioritize mobilizing the Italian private sector, facilitating technology transfer, and expanding joint ventures in manufacturing and agro-processing. Investment initiatives are also linked to addressing the root causes of irregular migration by creating jobs and economic opportunities across Africa.
For Ethiopia, hosting the on-continent edition of the Italy–Africa Forum offers an opportunity to showcase ongoing macroeconomic reforms, attract foreign direct investment, and reinforce its historical ties with Italy while cementing its role as a gateway for Africa–Europe collaboration.
This is not the first time Ethiopia and Italy have co-hosted major international events.
In July 2025, the two countries jointly hosted the 2nd United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, attended by heads of state, ministers, researchers, youth advocates, and representatives from civil society organizations worldwide.
Most notably, Abiy Ahmed and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni have intensified high-level engagements to further cement the bilateral partnership between Ethiopia and Italy. The two leaders have held repeated diplomatic consultations and exchanged official visits in recent months, underscoring their shared commitment to elevating cooperation across political, economic, and strategic fronts.
Today’s High-Level Summit sets the stage for stronger continental and international partnerships, reinforcing Africa’s expanding global engagement and catalyzing deeper collaboration between governments, investors, and industry leaders.
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