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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 44358, member: 636"]
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Rome on Friday. They discussed a major plan to help African countries grow their economies and reduce illegal migration to Europe. Meloni wants to spend 5.5 billion euros across 14 African nations like Ethiopia and Senegal. The money will support different industries from energy to healthcare. She hopes this will stop young Africans from paying criminals to make dangerous trips across the sea.

The plan connects with the EU's Global Gateway program that competes with China's influence across Africa. Von der Leyen said Africa needs to keep its talented people and workers at home. Both leaders announced 1.2 billion euros for specific projects like the Lobito railway system and underwater internet cables. African Union leaders welcomed the railway investment because it will boost trade between African countries. Italy also wants stronger energy partnerships since the Ukraine war forced them to find new oil and gas suppliers.

Critics question whether these investments can really reduce migration numbers. Some experts believe Italy promised more than it can deliver with this funding amount. Others worry the plan mainly helps big Italian companies rather than African people. Migration to Europe dropped significantly last year with 67,000 people crossing from North Africa to Italy compared to much higher numbers in previous years.
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