Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli chaired the first meeting of the Joint Committee for Development Cooperation in 2026, which approved a package of grant and loan initiatives with a total value of €246 million.
In Africa, in line with the Mattei Plan, programs were approved for environmental development in Ethiopia, agricultural development initiatives in Burkina Faso, and interventions to support food security in Kenya. A project to strengthen Chad’s health system, to be implemented by the Italian National Institute of Health, was also approved. In addition, an information note was approved concerning the restoration of activities of the AICS project office in Port Sudan, aimed at consolidating the operational capacity of Italian cooperation in the country.
The Committee also approved the granting of financing through Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to strengthen food security in Ukraine, up to €100 million, and to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the Western Balkans, up to €28 million. Regarding Latin America, a program for inclusive and sustainable digital transition and infrastructure interventions in support of the Padre Machado Dispensary Clinic in Caracas were mentioned.
Among further development initiatives financed through the Regions Fund, established in 2025, the Committee approved:
- a program on renewable energy and the blue economy in Kenya, co-financed by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region;
a project supporting entrepreneurship in Ethiopia, co-financed by the Marche Region;
- an initiative for sustainable tourism in Angola, co-financed by the Umbria Region.
Finally, the Committee approved voluntary contributions to international organizations, including IDLO, OECD Caserta, CIHEAM Bari, UNDESA, and UNICRI.