Italian government lists Uganda as a beneficiary of 2.3 billion euros

23 August 2024, 2:56 pm

By Philip Onyango

The Italian government has listed Uganda among the top 23 priority African countries to benefit from 2.3 billion euros in development support from 2024 to 2026.

The Director General of Italian Development Cooperation, Stefano Gatti, made this announcement at the ongoing 45th edition of the Rimini meeting in Italy, where Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is representing the country.

The three-year programme follows the Italian government’s decision to continue its development support to African countries under the Italy-Africa Mattei plan announced in January 2024.

The Mattei plan stipulates that African countries will receive the largest share at 65%, the Middle East 14%, Asia 5%, Latin and Central America, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe 12%.

The Prime Minister, who is also accompanied by Agriculture State Minister Fred Bwino Kyakulaga and Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority Robert Mukiza, highlighted the potential benefits that Italians could gain from investing in Uganda.

Italy and Uganda have had a relationship dating back to 1910, when the Comboni missionaries arrived in Uganda and engaged in various development initiatives.