Italy is investing 5.5 billion euros: a plan to combat the causes of flight!

Italy is investing 5.5 billion euros: a plan to combat the causes of flight!

Italy has unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen African economies that aims to curb irregular migration to the EU. In this context, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and representatives of the African Union (AU) for a summit in Rome on Friday. Meloni described tackling the causes of flight as urgently needed, as more and more young people are willing to pay for dangerous crossings.

Italy plans to invest around 5.5 billion euros in 14 African countries to support various sectors such as agriculture, education and healthcare. This extensive project could not only contribute to the stabilization of the North African countries, but also to reduce migration flows. The program's beneficiary states include Ethiopia, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Focus of investments

The investment package focuses on several key areas directly linked to improving living conditions in the affected countries. These include the renewal of a key railway line known as the Lobito Corridor, as well as progress on the Blue-Raman intercontinental fiber optic communications system. These projects are crucial for intra-African trade and economic cooperation.

In addition, Italy plans to strengthen its trade relations in the energy sector. Meloni explained that it is essential to find new gas suppliers and reduce dependence on existing markets. Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that Africa has a wealth of talent, skills and workforce and that cooperation with this continent is of strategic interest for Europe.

Strategic cooperation with the EU

The Italian plan also fits into the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which aims to limit China's influence in Africa. The EU and Italy want to ensure that economic relations are on a solid basis through targeted investments. MAhamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairman of the AU, welcomed the Italian investments and emphasized the relevance of the Lobito Corridor for the economic development of the continent.

With these measures, Italy is not only signaling a change of course in migration policy, but also a strong commitment to economic support for Africa. In the long term, the partnership between Italy and African nations could help to improve living conditions in the affected countries and thus combat the causes of flight.