Italy allocates Euro 4.4 Billion for climate action in Africa, including Zimbabwe

Leonorah Ncube, in Victoria Falls

THE Italian Government has set aside approximately Euro 4.4 billion for climate action activities, with 70% of the fund dedicated specifically to African countries, including Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Localisation and Voluntary Local Reviews workshop in Victoria Falls, Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Umberto Malnati, highlighted that Africa is a strategic priority for Italy.

Mr Malnati explained that the Mattei Plan for Africa, launched at the Italy-Africa Summit in Rome in January 2024, is part of Italy’s broader strategy to promote peace, stability, and development across the continent. The plan includes the Italian Climate Fund, which is approximately Euro 4.4 billion, with 70% directed towards African nations.

“The Mattei Plan for Africa, backed by a solid financial foundation, aims to reinforce the Italy-Africa partnership through a peer-to-peer approach, focusing on areas where each country’s needs and priorities are addressed through ongoing dialogue,” said Mr Malnati.

The plan also includes two key initiatives: The Lobito Corridor Project, which focuses on expanding rail infrastructure across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, aiming to lower transport costs, reduce environmental impact, and enhance connectivity; and the Resilient Coffee Value Chain initiative, designed to strengthen Africa’s coffee industry and improve its climate resilience.

Ambassador Malnati stressed the importance of collaborative partnerships, capacity-building, and mutual learning, emphasising that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace, and peace cannot exist without sustainable development.

He acknowledged Africa’s progress since the adoption of the United Nations 2030 Agenda in 2015, particularly in areas like clean water, health, and gender equality, but recognised the continued challenges in poverty reduction, food security, quality education, infrastructure, and climate action.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Edward Kallon, commended efforts to localise the SDGs through Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), noting the importance of data-driven action to advance SDG implementation at the local level. He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Italy for its ongoing support in fostering global SDG implementation and advancing the Mattei Plan for Africa.

“The generous support from Italy underscores the importance of North-South partnerships in accelerating the SDGs and is a testament to Italy’s commitment to supporting Africa’s sustainable development,” added Mr Kallon.