Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni used the 2nd Africa–Italy Summit on 14 February 2026 to reaffirm her government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African nations particularly in the realms of migration management, economic partnership, and security coordination. Leaders from across Africa gathered in Rome for the high-level meeting, reflecting growing diplomatic engagement between the two continents in an era marked by shifting migration patterns, economic interdependence, and shared security concerns.
The summit, building on the framework of the first such meeting held last year, brought together heads of state, foreign ministers, and senior officials representing countries from North, West, East and Sub-Saharan Africa. The discussions centred on how to enhance collaboration on migration, labour mobility, investment, trade, and development while also addressing irregular migration and its humanitarian implications
Migration at the forefront of the summit
Prime Minister Meloni emphasised that migration remains a key issue for Italy and its African partners, noting that sustainable solutions require joint action, not unilateral measures. “Migration is not an Italian problem or a European problem it is a global challenge that must be addressed through cooperation, opportunity-creation, and respect for human dignity,” Meloni said in her opening remarks.
In elaborating Italy’s approach, Meloni outlined several priorities:
- Expanded legal pathways for labour mobility and work opportunities between Italy and African nations.
- Enhanced border management coordination to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration.
- Joint efforts on return and reintegration of migrants who do not qualify for asylum or legal residency.
- Support for development projects in regions that are major sources of migration, to tackle root causes such as unemployment and lack of opportunities.
Several African leaders underscored the importance of framing migration policies in ways that recognise the economic, social and demographic contributions of mobility. They advocated for balanced strategies that include legal labour mobility schemes, investment in education and jobs, and protections for migrant workers’ rights.
Economic and development partnerships
Beyond migration, the summit highlighted investment and economic cooperation as pillars of Africa–Italy relations. Meloni pledged that Italy would expand its support for infrastructure development, energy projects, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and public-private partnerships in African countries.
Many African leaders welcomed the emphasis on mutually beneficial economic cooperation, arguing that job creation and improved livelihoods in African economies are essential to easing irregular migration pressures. Initiatives discussed at the summit included vocational training, technology transfer, and support for small and medium enterprises.
Officials also discussed measures to promote trade facilitation, encourage Italian investment in strategic sectors across African markets, and support economic diversification in countries heavily reliant on exporting raw materials
Security and counter-trafficking efforts
Security cooperation particularly on countering human trafficking and organised crime was another critical theme at the summit. Meloni and other participants stressed the need for strengthened law enforcement collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and joint operations aimed at dismantling smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable migrants.
Africa’s representatives noted that criminal networks often thrive in regions with weak governance and limited economic opportunity, linking security imperatives with broader development goals.
Several delegations called for enhanced support from European partners to build local capacities in policing, border control, and humanitarian protection so that countries on both sides of the Mediterranean can respond more effectively to migration and trafficking challenges
African leaders’ perspectives
Heads of state and government from across Africa welcomed the increased engagement with Italy, framing it as part of a broader push for equitable partnerships that go beyond migration management.
Some leaders reiterated that Africa’s rising youth population offers potential for economic dynamism if matched with investment in education, skills development, and access to employment both locally and internationally. They stressed that partnerships should encompass not only migration policy but also long-term development strategies that create opportunities where people live.
Ambassadors attending the summit also pointed to the need for transparency, mutual respect and shared decision-making as foundational principles of future cooperation
Public reaction and commentary
Reaction to the summit’s announcements was varied among civic groups and commentators on both continents. Advocacy organisations expressed cautious optimism about agreements prioritising safe and legal migration pathways. However, some civil society voices called for assurances that human rights protections and refugee rights would remain central, particularly in policies related to returns and detention.
Observers noted that Italy’s engagement reflects broader trends within the European Union and its partners to promote dialogue with African nations on migration, economic cooperation, and sustainable development even as domestic political debates in European capitals complicate policy consensus. The 2nd Africa–Italy Summit concluded with a declaration outlining shared commitments to stronger partnerships on migration, economic development, security cooperation, and cultural exchange. Participating nations pledged to establish working groups and joint task forces to operationalise the agreements reached during the summit.
Officials from both sides said they expect further ministerial-level meetings, technical discussions, and implementation roadmaps to emerge in the coming months indicating that today’s summit may serve as a foundation for deeper collaboration and long-term strategic engagement.
