Italian Minister of Enterprises and Industry Adolfo Urso has announced plans for large photovoltaic systems in Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt. These initiatives aim to bring renewable energy to Italy and, subsequently, to the European market.
Urso shared these details in an interview following his visit to Eritrea, emphasizing that economic agreements with North African countries like Libya will enhance Italy’s energy independence.
Urso highlighted that the main challenge in implementing the Mattei Plan is restoring Europe’s credibility, which has often allowed Russia and China to gain influence.
He acknowledged that Europe has made mistakes in its dealings with African countries, especially in the Sahel region, including Libya, Tunisia, and Egypt, as well as in the Horn of Africa. Urso noted that rebuilding trust with these nations involves changing the approach to collaboration.
Urso stated, “Italy can regain its credibility in Africa because we have always had a Mattei culture of giving, not just taking, and growing together.” He emphasized that supporting African companies also indirectly combats illegal migration.
“We must create conditions for these countries to continue their development and provide training and development opportunities,” he added, underscoring Italy’s focus on this cooperative project with African nations.
The Mattei Plan is an Italian roadmap and partnership framework with African countries, focusing on renewable energy, infrastructure, machine tools, agricultural and tourism development, and vital raw materials.
The Libyan Ministry of Industry and Minerals in the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy recently signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in several sectors. This agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, direct investment, and joint initiatives between companies. It also focuses on exchanging expertise in research, applied innovation in manufacturing, and skills training.
The signing ceremony took place during the Libya International Conference on Industry and Technology in Tripoli. Libyan Minister of Industry and Minerals Ahmed Abuhisa emphasized the ministry’s commitment to implementing the recommendations. He highlighted the activation of the 2008 Friendship and Partnership Agreement with Italy across all relevant sectors.
Urso reiterated the deep strategic partnership between Libya and Italy, particularly in energy, oil, and gas. He expressed Italy’s readiness to collaborate on strategic energy projects in Libya to meet local needs and for export.
Urso’s visit is part of the “Mattei Plan” and includes meetings with Libyan ministers of Economy and Industry in the GNU. This visit follows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s recent trip to the Libyan capital. Urso’s mission is part of a broader series of ministerial visits to Africa, which began in April in Egypt and will continue on May 27 in Tunisia.
