‘Dangerous dash for fossil fuels’ — CSOs kick as Italy unveils energy plan to African leaders

A group of over 70 civil society organisations (CSOs) have kicked against a ‘Mattei Plan’ proposed by Italy.

The plan intends to foster development in Africa, expand energy access, as well as prevent migration.

Described as a “non-predatory, non-paternalistic strategy” by Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, it is set to be adopted by heads of government at the ongoing Italy-Africa Summit in Rome. 

In a letter to Italian and African leaders, the CSOs asked the summit to chart a new course for Euro-Africa cooperation that protects the people of Africa, ecosystems and the continent’s biodiversity, while addressing the climate emergency.

They stated that the ‘Mattei Plan’ seems more focused on fossil fuels and did not follow a consultative pathway, thus not taking into cognisance the peculiarities of the African continent. 

They added that naming the plan after Enrico Mattei (the founder of the Italian state-controlled oil and gas major — Eni) leaves no one in doubt that its “overarching goal is to expand Italy’s access to fossil gas from Africa to Europe and strengthen the role of Italian corporations in the exploitation of Africa’s natural and human resources”.

Dean Bhebhe, campaigns lead at Don’t Gas Africa, said the ‘Mattei Plan’ is capable of transforming Africa into a mere energy conduit for Europe.

“The ‘Mattei Plan’ is a symbol of Italy’s fossil fuel ambitions, a dangerous plan and short-sighted ambition that threatens to transform Africa into a mere energy conduit for Europe,” Bhebhe said. 

“This ambition neglects the urgent climate crisis and the voices of African civil society.

“The pathways pursued for African development must be sustainable and equitable. They must be driven primarily by the needs and voices of its people, not by external energy demands.” 

Simone Ogno, finance and climate campaigner at ReCommon, said the ‘Mattei Plan’ must “exclude any fossil fuel project and consequent public financing”.

He added that the Italian government should heed the demands of CSOs and stop international public financing of fossil fuel projects causing “high environmental, climate and social impact such as Eni in Nigeria and Mozambique”.

Joab Okanda, senior climate advisor, Christian Aid, said: “It’s time Africa broke away from being part of strategic visions of Europe’s fossil fuel players disguised as Africa’s development blueprint and mobilised political commitment to a comprehensive strategy that seeks to reposition Africa in the global neo-colonial energy systems and put it on path to self-reliance and sustainable prosperity”.

The CSOs collectively recommended that the Italy-Africa summit should among other things end neo-colonial approaches by European countries; ensure transparency, participation and inclusion of Africa’s civil society.

They also asked the summit to ensure access to energy and energy transition; adopt an integrated approach to Africa’s climate, energy and development issues; as well as tackle global and African adaptation finance gaps.