Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday emphasized the country’s commitment to social development and collaborative governance during her speech at the opening of the Second Italy–Africa Summit.

“For the past two years, we have launched and completed concrete projects of great social impact,” Meloni said, underlining that Italy has invested billions of euros in public resources to support these initiatives. “We have done it by adopting a method engaging the best energies of the Italian people in teamwork — a teamwork that is enhancing the whole system,” she added.

The summit, held in Addis Ababa, brings together leaders from Italy and African nations to discuss cooperation, investment, and sustainable development, with Meloni’s remarks spotlighting Italy’s recent domestic efforts as a model of socially

Prime Minister Meloni emphasized the importance of shared growth between Italy and Africa, highlighting key areas such as energy interconnection across the Mediterranean, investment in renewable energy and biofuels, and support for local businesses that create quality jobs. She also stressed the significance of technological innovation and improving access to water as part of Italy’s broader development strategy.

Meloni pointed to strengthened cooperation in infrastructure as a cornerstone for sustainable development, both physical and digital, across multiple African regions. “Without connections, there is no growth, and integration with global markets is impossible,” she noted, underscoring the role of connectivity in economic progress.

The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives in healthcare, industry, and employment, with a focus on empowering young people and fostering private sector development. She noted that all projects under the Matteo plan share a common goal: creating inclusive, long-term growth that benefits communities on both sides of the Mediterranean.