“To ensure a concrete future for Africa, it is essential to focus on collaboration among all stakeholders, including institutions, businesses, associations, and volunteers, through an equal partnership—an approach that characterizes Italian Cooperation and has been enhanced and relaunched by the Mattei Plan.”
These were the remarks of AICS Director Marco Riccardo Rusconi, speaking today at the event “Africa 2025 – Political and Economic Perspectives”, organized in Milan by the magazine Africa e Affari.
Africa is a continent rich not only in natural resources but, most importantly, in human capital—especially young people who can truly make a difference for the future of their continent, as well as for Italy and Italian businesses. “Strengthening the skills and know-how of young Africans, both in traditional professions and in future-oriented sectors such as those related to the energy transition, helps create a favorable ecosystem for high-quality foreign investments—including Italian investments. This also allows SMEs to integrate African professionals and technicians into their networks of excellence.”
Businesses play a decisive role in this process. Since its inception, AICS has believed in the potential of the private sector and has engaged with it through various tools, from the D4D advisory groups to capacity building and advocacy efforts targeting companies, as well as through more institutional collaborations with business associations such as Assafrica and OICE.
Tenders are among the tools AICS uses to mobilize the private sector. One example is the €180 million call for proposals for Civil Society Organizations (OSC) and Territorial Entities (ET)—the largest initiative ever launched by Italian Cooperation.
“We are also working to fully unlock the potential of the profit-oriented call for proposals, which is specifically designed for private sector projects focused on cooperation. This initiative aims to support businesses in fully embracing their role as cooperation actors, as defined by our sector law,” concluded Director Marco Riccardo Rusconi.
