The Italy-Africa Summit

 

Italy is seeking further economic investment in the Africa continent. What Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seeks to do is make Italy a gateway for energy transport. The obstacle to this is the issue of migration. Her government came to power on a platform that was anti-immigration and anti-migrant. The suspicion related to these talks is that Italy will benefit, while African nations will be exploited economically. Doing this will only cause more immigration. Italy also must consider bring people from other nations in the event of labor shortages. Italy along with EU officials have promised 5.5 billion  euros to enhance economic ties. A total of 45 African nations were represented at the summit. Meloni's Mattei plan seeks to make Italy a major player in the energy sector. The Russia-Ukraine War is a factor in this renew interest in energy deals with Africa. It would not be possible for Europe to completely get off Russian energy in just a few years. Prime Minister Meloni expressed that bolstering industry and agriculture in Africa could stop mass migration. This would encourage youth not to immigrate to Europe. The statements are to most African leaders empty promises. The Italy-Africa summit demonstrated that Europe needs Africa. The change in energy prices and geopolitical shifts reveal the EU reliance on the continent. What the African Union must do is attain an agreement that gives them the most benefit. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not about the economic empowerment of Africa. The objective is to bolster the state energy company Eni, while simultaneously making Italy pivotal to natural gas.  Eni is more dependent on Algeria, Libya, and Egypt. Libya remains unstable, but Algeria and Egypt could wield enormous power over Italy. Energy should be used as a method to force European nations to change policies. Only then can AU nations get desirable economic agreements.