Italian PM Unveils Plan to Curb Illegal African Immigration Through Economic Development

Illegal mass immigration will never be stopped ... unless the root causes that drive people to leave their homes are addressed': Italian Prime Minister

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, center, speaks as she is flanked from left; Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, African Union President Azali Assoumani, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, President of the European Council Charles Michel and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, at the Senate for the start of an Italy - Africa summit, in Rome, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 Roberto Monaldo/LaPresse via AP

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a new partnership with Africa on Monday, unveiling a long-awaited plan aimed at curbing immigration from the continent by boosting economic ties and creating an energy hub for Europe.

Hosting a one-day Italy-Africa summit at the Italian Senate in Rome, Ms. Meloni outlined a series of initiatives, pledging an initial 5.5 billion euros ($5.95 billion) in loans, grants, and state guarantees.