2nd Italy–Africa Summit Opens in Addis Ababa Ahead of AU Assembly
Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 — The second Italy–Africa Summit is being held today in Addis Ababa, bringing together Italian and African leaders and senior officials to deepen political dialogue and expand economic cooperation.
The meeting is co hosted by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Government of the Italian Republic. It is the first time the summit has taken place on African soil and comes just ahead of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, scheduled for February 14 and 15 in the Ethiopian capital.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to preside over the summit. According to information published on the official website of the African Union, the gathering will focus on reviewing progress under Italy’s development initiatives across Africa and identifying priority areas for future collaboration.
Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, infrastructure and sustainable development. Leaders are also set to exchange views on energy, education and training, healthcare and agriculture, reflecting the strategic pillars of Italy’s Mattei Plan, a framework designed to strengthen structured partnerships with African countries.
Several African heads of state and government, along with high level delegates, have already arrived in Addis Ababa. The summit will include plenary sessions and bilateral meetings aimed at advancing political engagement and practical cooperation.
Officials say the event provides an opportunity to assess progress made since the initiative was formally presented two years ago and to define operational priorities for the coming years. It also highlights Addis Ababa’s role as a diplomatic hub, hosting both the Italy–Africa Summit and the African Union Assembly within the same week.
The summit is expected to conclude with further bilateral consultations before leaders shift focus to the African Union meeting.
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