Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, often associated with far-right politics, has surprised many by adopting a proactive stance towards Africa. While the focus on immigration control remains prominent, her engagement extends to energy cooperation and development initiatives. A key highlight is the Mattei Plan for Africa, emphasizing mutual cooperation in key sectors like education, health, energy, and infrastructure. Meloni aims to position Italy as a hub of African energy production, showcasing projects like the ELMED electricity interconnection and the SoutH2 Corridor for hydrogen transportation. The plan was well-received by EU officials, aligning with the European Global Gateway initiative. However, critics raised concerns about the consultation process, environmental impacts, and reliance on fossil fuels. Despite these challenges, the plan garnered support from entities like the African Development Bank, indicating potential for fruitful collaboration. Meloni's efforts reflect a broader ambition to foster growth and stability in Africa, transcending traditional immigration debates.