ROME (ITALPRESS) – A new international cooperation initiative aimed at fostering sustainable development in Africa has been launched today at the headquarters of Acri in Rome, through the signing of a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding by seven leading Italian institutions and organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
The signatories of the protocol include: Acri (Association of Foundations and Savings Banks), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, AOI (Association of Italian Organizations for International Cooperation and Solidarity), CINI (Italian Coordination of International NGOs), LINK 2007 – Cooperazione in Rete (a network of Italian NGOs), and CIDCI (Italian Coordination of Diasporas for International Cooperation).
The agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to pilot a joint project aimed at sustainable development in one or more African communities, which will be selected by a Promoters’ Committee composed of representatives from each of the partner organizations.
This Committee will define the initiative’s strategic direction, select target territories and sectors of intervention, and approve a project developed by a dedicated operational team. The initiative will be guided by principles of co-design, inclusion, and sustainability, encouraging active collaboration among public, private, and civil society actors.
The protocol also allows for the future inclusion of additional partners, with unanimous approval from the Promoters’ Committee. Each organization will contribute its expertise, infrastructure, and, when needed, qualified consultants to support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the initiative. The project aligns with Italy’s Law 125/2014, which outlines the general framework for international development cooperation.
Giovanni Azzone, President of Acri, emphasized the innovative nature of the agreement: “For the first time, stakeholders from different sectors – profit, non-profit, NGOs, and diaspora groups – are coming together to pool their resources, knowledge, and experience toward a shared goal. This protocol lays the foundation for a co-design approach right from the start, which, if successful, could be replicated. Foundations of banking origin continue to play their role as bridge-builders for the common good.”
CDP President Giovanni Gorno Tempini also highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration: “We proudly join this concrete initiative, born from the synergy of public, private, and third-sector actors committed to sustainable development. The network created by this agreement offers a virtuous model capable of advancing high-impact international cooperation projects for African communities.”
Enrico Maria Bagnasco, President of Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, linked the initiative to Italy’s broader strategic framework: “This multi-stakeholder initiative strengthens the bond between Italian businesses and African diasporas under the Mattei Plan. It’s an innovative model that can create long-term positive impacts through the contribution of Italian enterprises in technology, skills, and socially responsible corporate culture.”
Silvia Stilli, President of AOI, welcomed the opportunity to strengthen civil society’s role:
“This protocol supports a systemic approach as envisioned by Law 125/2014 and recognizes the vital role of civil society organizations as community actors, particularly in crisis and poverty-stricken areas. AOI sees this alliance as a chance to network proven experiences and promote social justice, inclusion, and sustainability.”
Luca De Fraia, President of CINI, spoke to the importance of inclusive partnerships:
“This protocol represents a concrete step toward fairer and more inclusive international cooperation centered on local territories and communities. A well-structured co-design process from the outset could become a model for the entire cooperation system.”
Sandro De Luca, President of LINK 2007, stressed the initiative’s broader societal relevance: “In today’s global climate, where solidarity and collective values are often challenged, this partnership stands as a shared space for impactful and socially just solutions.”
Bertrand Mani Ndongbou, President of CIDCI, underlined the role of migrant communities: “CIDCI, representing over 150 diaspora associations in Italy, joins this initiative believing that sustainable cooperation must actively include migrant communities. With their deep local knowledge and intercultural perspective, diasporas are key to creating more rooted and participatory development efforts.”
This initiative signals a significant step toward a more collaborative, inclusive, and impactful model of international cooperation, with the potential to reshape how Italy engages with sustainable development across Africa.
– Photo Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo –
(ITALPRESS)
