First meeting of the Joint Committee for Development Cooperation in 2026

Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli chaired the first meeting of the Joint Committee for Development Cooperation in 2026, which adopted a package of grant and credit initiatives worth a total of €246 million.

In Africa, in line with the Mattei Plan, programmes for environmental development in Ethiopia, initiatives for agricultural development in Burkina Faso and measures to support food security in Kenya were adopted. A project to strengthen the health system in Chad, to be implemented by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (National Institute of Health), was also adopted. An information note was then adopted on the resumption of activities by the AICS Project Office in the city of Port Sudan, aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of Italian cooperation in the country.

The Committee also adopted the granting of funding through Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to strengthen food security in Ukraine, up to €100 million, and to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the Western Balkans, up to €28 million. With regard to Latin America, mention was made of a programme for inclusive and sustainable digital transition and infrastructure interventions in favour of the Padre Machado Dispensary Clinic in Caracas.

Among the additional development initiatives to be funded by the Regions' Fund, established in 2025, a programme on renewable energy and the blue economy in Kenya co-financed by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, a project to support entrepreneurship in Ethiopia co-financed by the Marche Region, and an initiative for sustainable tourism in Angola co-financed by the Umbria Region were adopted.

Finally, the Committee adopted voluntary contributions to international organisations, including IDLO, OECD Caserta, CIHEAM Bari, UNDESA and UNICRI.