Italy-Africa Business Week 2026 kicks off

The inaugural ceremony of the 9th edition of Italy-Africa Business Week, opened by Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli, took place today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Organised by the Le Réseau Association in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the forum represents a concrete opportunity for dialogue between businesses, institutions and civil society. The event brings together entrepreneurial and institutional delegations from numerous African partner countries, companies and operators interested in investment opportunities in the framework of development cooperation.

The 2026 edition, with the theme "Africa-Italy: Partnership for sustainable Development - Africa-Italia: Partenariato per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile", aims to strengthen sustainable growth-oriented public-private partnerships, support investments in strategic sectors - including energy, agri-food, health, infrastructure, technology and green finance - promote entrepreneurial training and youth employment, as well as strengthen a cooperation ecosystem based on transparency, ethics and mutual trust. The initiative's capacity to bring together African diasporas and Italian and African entrepreneurs testifies to the value of a partnership built on networks, skills and trustworthy relationships.

The diasporas in our country represent a concrete bridge between the two economic systems, facilitating trade and investment.

Africa is one of the priority areas of the Italian Export Action Plan launched last year by Minister Tajani to support with targeted instruments the international projection of companies in high-potential non-European markets. The data confirm the dynamism of economic relations: in 2025, Italian exports reached EUR 643 billion (+3.3% compared to 2024) and trade with Africa amounted to EUR 54.6 billion (EUR 20.2 billion in exports and EUR 34.3 billion in imports). Infrastructure, energy, instrumental mechanics and agri-food are among the key sectors. The network of Italian Trade Agency Embassies and Offices, the Africa ceiling of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the Africa Measure of SIMEST with a dedicated reserve of EUR 200 million and the Africa Champion Programme of SACE are active in support of businesses, which strengthen the security and competitiveness of the Italian presence on the continent.

The event will continue over the next two days with round tables on economic cooperation, investment and trade diplomacy, providing an up-to-date picture of the opportunities and tools available to Italian and African companies.