Africa-Italy Ministerial Conference takes off 18 May 2016

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in cooperation with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), launched the First Italy–Africa Ministerial Conference. The aim is to strengthen Italy’s partnership with African countries by creating the framework for a High–Level Dialogue. The Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Paolo Gentiloni opened the conference while the Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini–Zuma will make closing remarks later this afternoon.

Over 40 ministers and ambassadors from 50 countries and top representatives of 15 major international organizations are attending the one–day conference. Among them: Moussa Faki Mahamat, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chad and Chairman of the African Union Council; Nkosazana Dlamini–Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Smail Chergui, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security; José Graziano da Silvia, Fao General Director; Angelino Alfano, Italian Minister of the Interior; Maurizio Martina, Italian Minister of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies; Gianluca Galletti, Italian Minister of Environment; Mario Giro, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs (here is the programme).

The Conference comes at a time when Africa has gained prominence on the agenda of the international community and, in particular, in Italy’s foreign and development policy. ISPI produced the following background papers on the four topics of the event: peace and security, economic development, migrations, socio–environmental sustainability.

ISPI BACKGROUND PAPERS

Peace and Security in Africa by Gilles Olakounlé Yabi Africa and the Middle East are the two regions of the world with the highest conflict burden. Since the end of colonialism, Africa has improved across all measurements of death and war and this trend has accelerated since the end of the Cold War. (continue)   The end of "Emerging Africa"? Prospects for Sub–Saharan Frontier Markets by Giovanni Carbone Africa has been changing fast over the past fifteen to twenty years. Both the growth performances and the international image of the continent went through surprising U–turns, from widespread stagnation and pessimism to unprecedented progress and new prospects. (continue)   Economic development and sustainability in Africa by Riccardo Moro With the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in September 2015, the world shared a new commitment to a future where women and men in all countries can live a decent life with full respect for human rights and dignity. For Africa this is a special challenge due to the large number of people who daily face conditions of vulnerability. (continue)   The sustainability of African migration by Lorenzo Rinelli Under what conditions do we consider migration sustainable? What do we mean by sustainability of migration in an age when more people are on the move on a global scale? What does this mean with regard to the specific case of the African continent? (continue)   Environmental and social sustainability in Africa by Stephen Whitfield The African continent is a rich mosaic of socio–ecological systems, abundant natural resources, varied agricultural production supported by tropical climates, vibrant and diverse cultures and heritage, and active and growing economic centres. However, high rates of poverty and social inequality are underlying causes of limited productivity, land and resource degradation, and the inability of those with the greatest need to benefit from natural resources. (continue)   ISPI Report: "Africa still rising?" edited by Giovanni Carbone After decades of unsatisfying performances, economic growth took off in many sub–Saharan states at the beginning of the 21st century. More recently, however, the end of the commodity cycle and the rise of jihadist violence rocked the "Emerging Africa" boat. Is this the beginning of the end for sustained growth in the region? (continue)