Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made international headlines with her recent statement urging the world to “free Africa from colonialism” — a call that has sparked debate across Europe, Africa, and beyond. Speaking at an international summit on African development, Meloni emphasized the need to end exploitative practices and build genuine partnerships with African countries.
Meloni’s Vision: Ending Neocolonialism
In her speech, Meloni sharply criticized the legacy of European powers in Africa, pointing not only to historical colonization but also to modern economic practices that she argues continue to keep African nations dependent and disadvantaged.
“Africa’s resources must benefit African people,” Meloni declared. “The time has come to break the chains of neocolonialism — whether through unfair trade deals, exploitative resource extraction, or economic pressures from powerful nations and financial institutions.”
Italy’s Strategic Pivot Toward Africa
Meloni’s government has recently intensified its diplomatic and economic outreach to Africa, launching initiatives focused on:
- Energy partnerships aimed at reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian gas.
- Investment in African infrastructure projects to stimulate local economies.
- Collaboration on migration issues, addressing root causes of migration rather than focusing solely on border enforcement.
Meloni argues that a new, balanced relationship can help both Europe and Africa thrive — a sharp shift from past European strategies often criticized as self-serving.
African Reactions
African leaders and commentators have responded cautiously but positively to Meloni’s remarks. Some welcome Italy’s recognition of past injustices, while others stress that actions must follow words.
- Meloni’s vision has been met with mixed reactions. Some observers praise her emphasis on a new, more equitable relationship with Africa. They see the Mattei Plan as a promising initiative that could bring tangible benefits to both continents.
- However, others are skeptical. Some critics question whether Meloni’s government can truly break free from traditional European approaches to Africa. They point to Italy’s own colonial past and express concerns about potential neocolonial tendencies.
- There are also questions about the feasibility of the Mattei Plan. Some analysts wonder whether the scale of investment will be sufficient to achieve its ambitious goals. The plan’s focus on energy, particularly fossil fuels, has also drawn criticism from environmental groups.
- Kenya’s President William Ruto praised the sentiment but noted that African nations are eager to see “concrete commitments, not just statements.”
- South African analysts pointed out that Europe’s credibility hinges on whether it will truly allow African nations to chart independent economic and political paths.
International Criticism and Skepticism
While Meloni’s speech has drawn praise in some circles, critics argue that Italy itself has benefited from unequal economic arrangements and must be willing to reform its own practices.
- Some human rights groups have pointed to Italy’s tough policies on African migrants as inconsistent with her stated goals.
- European political rivals accuse Meloni of using anti-colonial rhetoric mainly for geopolitical positioning.
Conclusion: A Turning Point or Empty Rhetoric?
Giorgia Meloni’s call to “free Africa from colonialism” marks a bold rhetorical shift for a European leader. Whether this signals a genuine transformation in Europe-Africa relations will depend on the concrete policies Italy and its European partners pursue in the coming months and years.
For African nations, the hope is clear: that the era of exploitation will give way to one of respect, partnership, and shared prosperity.
