Italian far-right leader, Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday, 29 January, convened an Africa Summit in Rome, a move that many are interpreting as setting a new tone in Italy’s relations with the African continent. Meloni, the head of the Fratelli d’Italia party, has recently gained traction in opinion polls against the current Prime Minister, Mario Draghi.
Meloni’s vision for Italy entails viewing Africa as a land of opportunity rather than a threat, marking a potential departure from the existing stance on immigration and foreign policy in Italy. This approach aims to alleviate the tensions and enhance the mutual respect between the two regions.
The summit was marked by the participation of several African diplomats, entrepreneurs, and Italy-based members of the African diaspora. The main focus of the conference was to develop a mutually respectful and beneficial partnership, thereby fostering Italy’s African policy towards mass private investment.
Meloni’s proposal to engage Africa as a strategic partner came at a time when the discourse on the continent was dominated by risks associated with migration and security threats. Her call for a shift in perspective and action is considered bold and contradictory to the usual narrative, positioning Africa as a continent full of potential instead.
The Africa Summit also represents the political strategy of Giorgia Meloni, who is gaining momentum and emerging as a prominent figure in Italy. Recently, her popularity has been gradually eclipsing that of Prime Minister Mario Draghi in opinion polls.
Though Meloni’s vision is hailed as progressive and optimistic, the efficacy of this new approach is yet to be seen. It nonetheless indicates a possible departure from the anti-immigration stance of conservative politics and could potentially reshape Italy’s engagement with African nations.
The summit echoes the sentiment that partnerships with African countries could be multifaceted, encompassing and nurturing opportunities beyond the conventional issues of migration and security, signalling a new chapter of diplomatic relations between Italy and Africa.
Reports from Rome suggest that attendees were enthusiastic about the new approach, although the practical application would be a matter for further detail. There was consensus, however, that a change in attitude and policy is long overdue, considering the potential for economic growth and collaboration inherent in the continent.
The success of the Africa Summit and its follow-through could position Italy as a key player in the international community’s relations with Africa, setting an example for other European nations to redefine their diplomatic relations with the continent.
