By Marco Cacciati Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni unveiled her long-anticipated development strategy for Africa over the weekend, floating a ‘non-predatory’ approach aimed at fostering cooperation. Critics argue that the plan, first touted in December 2022 and dubbed “Mattei Plan” after Enrico Mattei, the celebrated founder of Italy’s state-owned energy giant Eni, may prioritise European interests over African development. Meloni, who assumed office in 2022 with an anti-migrant platform, seeks to position Italy as a crucial link between Africa and Europe. The plan involves directing ener…