"Controversy Surrounds Italy's Africa Development Plan as Leaders Feel Left Out"
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's "Mattei Plan" to boost Africa's growth with over €5.5 billion in investments and projects in several African countries has been criticized by African leaders for not consulting them in its formation. The plan aims to slow irregular migration to Europe and reduce dependence on Russian oil, but faces skepticism and resistance from African leaders and civil society groups. Meloni envisions Italy as a hub for importing energy from Africa, but her anti-immigration stance and focus on fossil fuels have drawn criticism.