Italian leader Meloni unveils plan to promote Africa development and curb migration at summit

By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has unveiled Italy’s big development plan for Africa at a summit of African leaders. The government is hoping the plan will help stem migration numbers, diversify energy sources and forge a new relationship between Europe and the continent. Two dozen African leaders, top European Union and United Nations officials and representatives from international lending institutions were in Rome for the summit. Italy hopes its development plan will create security and economic conditions that will create jobs in Africa and discourage Africans from making dangerous migrations across the Mediterranean Sea.