Contrary to the popular saying, “what happens in Rome stays in Rome,” the first-ever Italy-Africa summit is breaking tradition. Hosted by Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, the summit held in Rome on January 29th marked a significant step in fostering collaboration between Italy and Africa.

The summit, spearheaded by H.E Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, aimed to establish a platform for Africa to actively participate in decision-making processes and exchange ideas in both political and economic spheres. Leaders from at least 23 African countries, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Ruto, along with representatives from Arab states, the African Union, and the European Union, gathered to contribute to the inaugural ceremony.

A core theme of the summit was unveiling a new era of equal and non-colonial cooperation between Rome and Africa. While the agenda covered a broad spectrum of topics, some critics speculate that the primary focus might be addressing the issue of the illegal immigration crisis, a cause that Prime Minister Meloni has been outspoken about since taking office.

Prime Minister Meloni’s advocacy against illegal migration, particularly human trafficking across the Mediterranean Sea, has been a focal point of her tenure. Critics suggest that the summit may serve as a platform to address this pressing issue and strategize on collaborative solutions.

Discussions also centred on critical global challenges, including food security, climate change, terrorism, and energy transition and ongoing conflicts, such as those in Israel-Gaza, Russia, and Kiev. Prime Minister Meloni presented a strategic plan for energy in Africa, emphasizing the continent’s role in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future.

The Italy-Africa summit aligns with a global trend where countries worldwide create platforms to foster closer relationships with the African continent. Such initiatives reflect a shared commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively. As leaders return to their respective nations, the outcomes and discussions from this groundbreaking event are poised to shape future collaborations and foster a closer, more connected global community.