Italian PM Meloni Announces Debt-to-Investment Plan for Vulnerable African Countries
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has unveiled a new initiative to help ease the debt burdens of
vulnerable African nations by converting their debts into development investments, the Italian
government said during talks tied to the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking at the summit, Meloni said Italy’s programme, operating under its broader Mattei Plan for
Africa, aims to transform portions of the debt owed by the most fragile countries into investment
projects that support economic growth, infrastructure and climate resilience.
The plan also includes provisions allowing for debt suspension when countries are struck by extreme
climate events, freeing up funds to help rebuild essential services and support affected populations.
“This initiative is based on justice and responsibility,” Meloni said, adding that debt conversion would
help release fiscal space for development and contribute to peace and prosperity across parts of the
continent currently affected by instability, insecurity and humanitarian crises.
The approach reflects Italy’s effort to shift from traditional debt repayments toward investment-led
partnerships with African states, reinforcing cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure,
agriculture and climate adaptation under the Mattei Plan framework.
Meloni’s announcement comes as leaders at the AU summit continue discussions on economic
development priorities under Agenda 2063, including sustainable water availability, sanitation and
regional stability.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
