As the Italian government begins its much-anticipated Italy-Africa Summit today, with over 50 delegations, mainly from African countries, as well as European Union (EU) leaders and representatives of international organisations arriving Rome, about 79 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) based in Africa, have presented a seven-point demand.

The demands are: end to neo-colonial approaches by European countries; transparency, participation and inclusion of African civil societies; access to energy and energy transition; adoption of an integrated approach to Africa’s climate, energy and development issues; tackling of global and African adaptation finance gaps; regaining self-sufficiency in food production and acknowledging the huge role climate crisis plays in migration, and why the continued ‘dash for gas’ in Africa by Italy and other European nations is perpetuating the climate emergency.

The purpose of the conference is to present Italy’s strategic plan that aims to review the country’s approach to the African continent. To show seriousness, Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, had unveiled a “non-predatory” approach to foster cooperation.

The plan, dubbed “Mattei Plan”, is named after Enrico Mattei, an Italian public administrator who, in the 1950s, encouraged Italy to support North African governments to grow their economies and develop their natural resources.

The strategy is to cost around three million Euros yearly and has a four-year duration. The goal is to enhance energy cooperation with African countries, and help them in different areas, including health, education, and other sectors, with the main purpose being to address the root economic causes of mass migration from Africa.

In a letter addressed to President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella; President, Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, the CSOs said the Mattei Plan needs African voices at its core.

They wrote: “We are writing with concern about the proposed ‘Mattei Plan’ that was announced in October 2022 with a mandate for Italy to foster energy cooperation with Africa, while addressing the root causes of migration flows, including the ongoing climate emergency. The naming of the plan after Enrico Mattei, founder of Italian state-controlled oil and gas major Eni, makes clear that the overarching goal is expanding Italy’s access to fossil gas from Africa to Europe.

“The Italy-Africa Summit presents an unparalleled opportunity to redefine the role that European countries take to their partnership with Africa, steering it towards an approach that is more consultative, collaborative and development-oriented. One that places the voice and leadership of Africa at the centre and responds to Africa’s genuine developmental needs to build a future that is not only prosperous, but also sustainable and equitable.

The CSOs continued: “However, the current iteration of the ‘Mattei Plan’, as developed by the Italian government for Africa, fails to adopt this consultative approach and falls short in recognising and incorporating these African-centric goals. The exclusion of African perspectives and needs in the development of the ‘Mattei Plan’ by the Italian government is an oversight that not only undermines the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration, but also perpetuates a cycle of inequality that hinders the progress of our continent.

“This exclusion of African voices in its initiation and formulation not only reflects a missed opportunity, but also a continuation of historical patterns where decisions impacting Africa are made without Africa. This is not just an oversight; it is a reinforcement of inequality that we collectively have the power – and responsibility – to rectify.

“Furthermore, a new law on the Mattei Plan adopted by the Italian parliament on January 10, 2024 undermines the urgent call to address the climate crisis by spurring more investments and financial flows into new fossil oil and gas projects, undermining the well-being of Africans harmed by fossil fuels, and distracting resources from other sectors – such as the expansion of renewable energies or adaptation projects – that could be more relevant.

“The energy crisis that currently prevails in Europe must not be treated as a gateway to promoting new oil and gas extraction and export infrastructure. This ‘dash for gas’ in Africa is dangerous and short-sighted. It is a disaster for our climate, undermining existing commitments to keep temperatures to 1.5°C.

“It also risks contradicting Italy’s legal obligations to phase out international finance for oil and gas as promised in Glasgow at COP26. Italy – which shared the presidency of COP26 with the United Kingdom – joined the COP26 Glasgow initiative, committing to end new direct public support for the international fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022.”