Mattei Plan in action: Rome’s investment deal challenges Moscow #ItalyFinance

Italy’s CDP and the Islamic Development Bank have signed a landmark agreement to boost sustainable investments in Africa, reinforcing the Piano Mattei. The deal prioritises energy, food security, and infrastructure, while Russia watches closely, countering Italy’s influence with disinformation and strategic rivalries

A Mattei Plan blueprint. Last month, Italy’s State investment bank, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) signed a landmark memorandum of understanding, marking the first collaboration between the two institutions.

• The agreement, signed by CDP CEO Dario Scannapieco and IsDB President Muhammad Al Jasser, establishes a strategic framework for international development finance.
• The focus is on high-impact economic, social, and environmental projects in emerging markets, particularly inAfrica.

Why it matters. The deal aligns with the Piano Mattei for Africa (Mattei Plan for Africa), the Italian government’s flagship initiative to strengthen economic ties with Africa, promoting sustainable investments and egalitarian partnerships, offering an alternative to exploitative engagement models.

• The framework will facilitate knowledge-sharing, co-financing, and co-investment in energy access, food security, sustainable infrastructure, and private sector development, strongly emphasising SMEs and job creation.

What they’re saying. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in CDP’s international cooperation strategy,” said CDP’s Scannapieco.

• “By combining efforts and sharing knowledge, we can expand the impact of our initiatives and support sustainable and inclusive economic growth in key regions like Africa, in line with the Mattei Plan”, he added.
• Our goal is to define an ambitious yet flexible co-financing framework that strengthens institutional collaboration, maximises impact, and ensures sustainable development,” added IsDB’s Al Jasser.

Russia’s shadows. While Italy expands its strategic footprint in Africa through initiatives between CDP and IsDB, Moscow is closely watching.

• Russia has intensified its hybrid campaigns against Italy, leveraging disinformation and delegitimisation efforts due to Rome’s firm stance on supporting Ukraine and a just peace.
• These efforts extend beyond Europe and Africa, where Italy and Russia compete with contrasting influence models.
  • While Italy prioritises economic cooperation and development, Russia focuses on security alliances and resource extraction.
• As Italy deepens its African engagement through the Mattei Plan, it faces strategic opportunities and geopolitical friction in a rapidly evolving landscape.