By Francesco Guala.
On January 10, 2024, the Italian parliament approved the Piano Mattei.
Overview of the Plan
The Plan is named after Enrico Mattei, energy visionary, innovator, and founder of the national energy company ENI. Mattei’s most notable achievement was his pioneering approach to negotiating oil contracts. Breaking away from the prevailing dominance of the “Seven Sisters” (the major oil companies after World War II), Mattei negotiated more equitable oil agreements ensuring that a larger share of profits would be allocated to the oil-producing countries: a 50-50% approach, compared to the 25-75% widespread at the time [1]. This non-predatory strategy, called the “Mattei Formula,” altered the dynamics of the global oil industry. His leadership and strategy positioned Italy as a critical player in the international energy market [2]. Today, the goal is to emulate this non-predatory approach to foster sustainable and lasting development in Africa [3].
This project aims to rewrite the rules of international cooperation by focusing on strategic interventions in key areas such as education, health, agriculture, water, and especially energy [4]. Its goals are organised around two pillars: addressing humanitarian crises resulting from increasing African migration to Europe and stimulating economic development in some of the most vulnerable nations on the African continent while positioning Italy as the energy hub of Europe [5].
The Plan results from insights gathered during Prime Minister Meloni’s official visits to Algeria, Libya, and Ethiopia in early 2023 [4]. With this initiative, the Italian government intends to become a central player in Mediterranean dynamics, positioning itself as an alternative to France in what was traditionally considered Francophone spheres of influence in Africa.
Financing
A considerable financial commitment supports the Plan: 5.5 billion euros have been allocated between loans, donations, and guarantees. About 3 billion come from the Italian climate fund and the remaining €2.5 billion from the Development Cooperation Fund. [6]. These funds will finance a series of pilot projects, including a professional training center on energy in Morocco and initiatives for education in Tunisia and healthcare accessibility in the Ivory Coast [4]. These interventions are conceived to ensure immediate aid but also as steps toward long-term collaboration between Italy and African countries.
Focus on Energy
The Mattei Plan aims to reduce Italy’s dependence on Russian gas in response to the energy crisis originating from the war in Ukraine. Through the development of projects for oil and gas and renewable energies, it intends to promote sustainable energy production, storage, and export. Italy has already strengthened ties with the Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Egypt, and Algeria. Algeria became Italy’s primary gas supplier, surpassing Russia in 2022 [5].
The aim is to position Italy as an energy hub between Europe and Africa. This ambition is highlighted by several ongoing programs in many African countries, such as the new corridor for transporting hydrogen from North Africa to central Europe via Italy. An initiative in Kenya is dedicated to developing the biofuel supply chain, aiming to involve approximately 400,000 farmers by 2027 [7]. In the Water sector, one of the projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, consists of the construction of wells and water distribution networks powered exclusively by renewable energy, while in Ethiopia, there will be water sanitation interventions [7].
Criticism
Despite the government’s enthusiasm, the Plan has drawn criticism from the opposition, labelling it as an “empty box” [4]. Critics of the Plan argue that Italy, which is a very heavily indebted country, cannot hope to compete with other countries such as China, Russia, and the Gulf states, all of which are trying to bolster their presence in Africa, where many of the world’s natural resources are located [8]. Moreover, PD Senator Francesco Boccia reported that Italy cannot manage relations with Africa alone but needs support from other EU member states [9]. Vittoria Baldino, a Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S) MP, launched a direct attack on President Meloni, calling the Mattei Plan “a media operation,” a plan with no substance. In a note, M5S MPs expressed concerns about the Plan, saying that “the objective is the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources” and on migration flows, “if we want to do something immediately to stem the illegal migratory flows from Africa, restore peace to African countries devastated by forgotten conflicts – such as those in Sudan and Ethiopia – which cause millions of desperate refugees who then seek safety.” [9]
In conclusion, the Mattei Plan represents an ambitious attempt to strengthen ties between Italy and Africa, focusing on sustainable development. While there are many challenges, the Plan’s innovative and cooperative approach could open a new era in Italy relations with the African continent, with lasting benefits for both sides. The Italian government has set a date, June 30, 2024, to present a detailed report on the progress of the projects. Only time will tell us whether the Mattei Plan succeeded.
Edited by Justine Peries.
References
[1] Magnani, Niccolò. “Piano Mattei per l’Africa: cos’è e cosa prevede/ Dossier del Governo Meloni: forniture gas, hub energetico e….” IlSussidiario.net, 27 October 2023, https://www.ilsussidiario.net/news/piano-mattei-per-lafrica-cose-e-cosa-prevede-dossier-del-governo-meloni-forniture-gas-hub-energetico-e/2608923/. Accessed 12 March 2024.
[2] Benedetti, Carla. “Enrico Mattei.” Wikipedia, https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrico_Mattei. Accessed 12 March 2024.
[3] Sky tg24, editor. “Cos’è il Piano Mattei: ecco perché si chiama così e cosa prevede.” 29 January 2024, https://tg24.sky.it/politica/2024/01/29/paesi-africani-piano-mattei.
[4] De Chiari, Monica. “Piano Mattei per l’Africa, ecco di cosa si tratta e cosa prevede: dal Marocco al Kenya, ecco i progetti pilota.” Il Messaggero, 29 January 2024, https://www.ilmessaggero.it/politica/piano_mattei_cosa_e_cosa_prevede_davvero_di_cosa_parla_il_summit_italia_africa-7901800.html. Accessed 12 March 2024.
[5] Treccarichi, Cesare. “Cos’è il Piano Mattei di cui parla tanto Giorgia Meloni.” today.it, 14 April 2023, https://www.today.it/economia/piano-mattei-governo-meloni-africa-gas-cosa-e.html.
[6] “Meloni, il Piano Mattei parte da 5,5 miliardi di euro – Notizie – Ansa.it.” ANSA, 29 January 2024, https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/2024/01/29/meloni-il-piano-mattei-parte-da-55-miliardi-di-euro_d0e797e4-a321-4ab7-bba2-09de0872e72c.html. Accessed 12 March 2024.
[7] Terzi, Giovanni. “Piano Mattei, ecco come l’Italia esporta sviluppo: formazione, salute ed energia.” Libero Quotidiano, 4 March 2024, https://www.liberoquotidiano.it/news/esteri/38636735/piano-mattei-come-italia-esporta-sviluppo.html. Accessed 12 March 2024.
[8] “Ecco il piano Mattei, ma l’Unione africana gela Meloni.” RSI Radiotelevisione Svizzera, 29 January 2024, https://www.rsi.ch/info/mondo/Piano-Mattei-l%E2%80%99Unione-africana-critica-con-Meloni–2054501.html. Accessed 12 March 2024.
[9] Giansante, Mauro. “Perché il Piano Mattei non funziona (secondo le opposizioni e non solo).” Policy Maker, 29 January 2024, https://www.policymakermag.it/italia/italia-africa-critiche/. Accessed 12 March 2024.
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