Uganda has been named among the top 23 African countries set to benefit from a €2.3 billion development aid package from Italy.
The announcement was made by Stefano Gatti, the Director General of the Italian Development Cooperation, during the ongoing 45th edition of the Rimini Meeting in Italy.
Representing Uganda at the event, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja expressed optimism about the significant impact of this support on Uganda’s development initiatives. The three-year program, part of Italy’s “Africa Mattei Plan,” reaffirms Italy’s commitment to fostering growth in Africa, with 65% of the funding directed toward the continent.
This collaboration aims to enhance bilateral relations, which date back to 1910, and explore new opportunities for investment and development in Uganda.
The Italian government’s decision to prioritize Uganda and other African nations is part of the broader “Africa Mattei Plan,” launched in January 2024, which aims to strengthen economic and developmental ties between Italy and African countries. Under this plan, Africa will receive the lion’s share of 65% of the total €2.3 billion allocated, with the remaining funds distributed among the Middle East (14%), Asia (5%), Latin and Central America, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe (12%).
During her speech at the Rimini Meeting, Prime Minister Nabbanja emphasized the vast opportunities for Italian investors in Uganda, particularly in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.
Accompanied by the Agriculture State Minister Fred Bwino Kyakulaga and the Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority, Robert Mukiza, she underscored Uganda’s strategic location, rich natural resources, and favorable investment climate as key factors that make the country an attractive destination for Italian investment.
The historical ties between Italy and Uganda, which began with the arrival of the Comboni missionaries in 1910, have laid a strong foundation for this continued partnership. As Uganda looks forward to leveraging this new wave of Italian support, both countries hope to deepen their economic, social, and cultural ties, fostering mutual growth and development in the coming years.
