PM Abiy Calls for Bold Africa–Europe Partnership at Second Italy–Africa Summit

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for a transformative Africa–Europe partnership anchored in shared prosperity, dignity, and mutual benefit, as he officially opened the Second Italy–Africa Summit in Addis Ababa.

Addressing the opening session, the Prime Minister said Africa’s youthful dynamism combined with Europe’s experience, technology, and capital can unlock unprecedented growth and opportunity.

“By combining Africa’s energetic and creative population with Europe’s experience, technology and capital, we can build solutions that deliver prosperity to our continents and beyond,” he said.

Describing the summit as a pivotal moment in Africa–Europe relations, Premier Abiy emphasized the need to move beyond dialogue toward concrete outcomes.

“This gathering marks a defining moment,  a moment to move from dialogue to action and turn ideas into clear results for our people.”

The Prime Minister welcomed Italy’s forward-looking Mattei Plan, noting that it aligns closely with Ethiopia’s national development priorities and reform agenda.

“The Mattei Plan complements our homegrown economic reforms across renewable energy, climate resilience, smart agriculture, infrastructure, digital transformation, and human capital development,”  he noted.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s rapid transformation, Prime Minister Abiy pointed to major hydropower projects, expanding regional energy interconnections, railway and aviation infrastructure, and the establishment of innovation hubs as pillars of sustainable development.

“Ethiopia is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and shared progress across Africa.”

He underscored Addis Ababa’s role as Africa’s diplomatic capital and a growing hub for aviation, logistics, and global conferences, positioning Ethiopia as a bridge connecting Africa to global markets and ideas.

Stressing Africa’s demographic strength, the Prime Minister described the continent’s young population as its greatest asset.

“Africa is young, ambitious, ready to innovate and lead. By investing in youth and skills, we can create jobs, unlock talent, and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

He highlighted the transformative role of digital innovation and artificial intelligence in modernizing energy systems, food production, healthcare, trade, and public services.

PM Abiy also  framed the Italy–Africa partnership as a model for balanced and forward-looking cooperation — addressing migration, climate action, economic growth, and technological advancement in an integrated manner.

In a strong closing message, he called for a redefined Africa–Europe relationship:

“Together, we can shape a new Africa–Europe partnership — not based on dependency but dignity, not on extraction but shared prosperity, not on the past but on a future we build together.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with Italy and across Africa, urging leaders to move forward with determination.

The Second Italy–Africa Summit is being held for the first time on African soil and coincides with high-level meetings of the African Union in Addis Ababa.