Kenya and Italy have officially launched a comprehensive Action Plan for 2026–2029, deepening their ties through the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa.
President William Ruto and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni finalized the agreement during high-level bilateral talks during the president’s official visit to Rome. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Italy’s flagship initiative, which Meloni introduced in early 2024 to build fair, collaborative relationships across the continent while tackling migration, energy security, and regional development.
State House confirmed that this roadmap will steer joint efforts between the two nations over the next three years. To ensure the partnership remains effective and responsive, both governments will use established bilateral mechanisms to conduct regular progress reviews.
“Both leaders agreed to hold periodic bilateral consultations between the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs to strengthen coordination on issues of mutual interest in the context of the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations,” the statement said.
By prioritizing this structured cooperation, Nairobi and Rome aim to turn the broad goals of the Mattei Plan into tangible results that benefit both populations.
Building on the growing momentum of their diplomatic ties, President Ruto and Prime Minister Meloni committed to a new era of political dialogue fueled by frequent high-level visits and active engagement at global summits. Both leaders pledged to move beyond traditional cooperation, vowing to uncover fresh opportunities within their Strategic Partnership that align with their shared long-term visions.
Economic growth sits at the heart of this renewed alliance, with both nations focusing heavily on the private sector to drive progress. By facilitating direct connections between Kenyan and Italian enterprises, the leaders aim to spark joint ventures that could eventually expand into third markets. To jumpstart this commercial engine, they organized a bilateral Business Forum during President Ruto’s visit, specifically designed to accelerate trade and investment flows between Nairobi and Rome.
On a broader scale, the two countries intend to use the Mattei Plan as a catalyst for African integration. They agreed to align their efforts with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to build more resilient value chains and stronger trade links across the continent.
“Kenya and Italy will explore further synergies within the Mattei Plan to support inclusive growth and regional integration and trade on the African continent,” the statement added.
Beyond high-level diplomacy, the leaders turned their attention to the vital industries that power both economies, specifically targeting tourism, agriculture, climate resilience, and the blue economy. They prioritized the creation of robust food security systems and the development of sustainable, high-value supply chains. These efforts will lean heavily on climate-smart solutions, with a particular focus on boosting coffee production and protecting marine resources.
The partnership also looks toward the future of infrastructure and green energy. Both nations reaffirmed their drive to modernize transport and telecommunications networks while channeling investment into renewable energy and the transition to a low-carbon economy. This forward-thinking approach extends to science and technology, where the two countries will launch joint research projects and institutional partnerships. A standout feature of this collaboration involves the Mattei Plan AI Hub for Sustainable Development, which aims to find practical, real-world applications for Artificial Intelligence.
In a move to secure regional stability, the leaders welcomed the signing of a new Defence Cooperation Agreement. This pact sets a clear path for joint military training and capacity-building initiatives, all grounded in transparency, mutual consent, and strict adherence to each nation’s legal framework.
This comprehensive Action Plan solidifies Kenya’s role as Italy’s strategic gateway to Africa, paving the way for a new era of shared economic prosperity and sustainable growth.
