President Mnangagwa has arrived in Italy where he is set to join other world leaders attending the Italy-Africa summit at which authorities in Rome are expected to showcase a strategic partnership with Africa aimed at improving trade, particularly in energy, diplomacy and migration. .
The President is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Frederic Shava, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxius Masuka and senior government officials.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to present a strategic plan for the African continent towards cooperation in the field of energy, among other areas.
The scheme, known as “Plan Mattei” and named after Enrico Mattei, founder of state-controlled energy group Eni, is expected to pave the basis for cooperation outside the energy sector.
It is expected that the summit will give impetus to the Second Republic’s drive to achieve energy efficiency for sustainable economic growth.
Italy will assume the presidency of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in 2024, and has pledged to make Africa a major theme while in power.
President Mnangagwa will join several Heads of State and Government who have confirmed their presence in Rome where he is also expected to hold meetings on the sidelines of the summit aimed at deepening cooperation with other countries as part of engagement and re-engagement.
His presence at the summit is consistent with the foreign policy path of the Second Republic, which sees Zimbabwe as a friend to all and an enemy to none, and the path of engagement and re-engagement.
Prime Minister Meloni wants to present the Mattei Plan as the crown jewel of her foreign policy, with the aim of once again revamping Italy’s approach to the African continent.
Italy imports about 40 percent of its gas needs from African producers, and discussions will focus on ways to increase trade with the continent.
Observers also noted that issues related to climate, energy crises, political instability, especially in West Africa, and migration are some of the issues that must be addressed to achieve strong and sustainable cooperation.
Others also added that Italy, as a former colonial master, had an obligation to deal with the remnants of colonialism.
In the past, Italy has taken practical steps to deepen cooperation with Africa.
