Statement by President Meloni on Africa Day

Africa Day is celebrated today, marking the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union.

Today, we reaffirm Italy's commitment to building a new model of cooperation and mutual development together with the people of Africa.

Africa is a cradle of resources, talent, and formidable dynamism, looking to the future with hope. With its Mattei Plan, Italy has chosen to support this growth path, rejecting any aid-based or predatory logic and working as equals to turn ideas into concrete programmes, create jobs, and ensure young people have the right not to have to emigrate. From energy to agriculture, from digital infrastructure to water conservation, through to healthcare, all of our initiatives centre around the most precious resource: human capital and the education and training of young people.

Italy is present and stands side by side with this young and dynamic continent, linked by a common destiny that we are building day after day through real projects and shared results.

[Courtesy translation]