In a strategic move to bolster agricultural development across Africa, Italian aerospace giant Leonardo and agro-industrial leader BF have joined forces with the Italian government. This collaboration aims to implement advanced agricultural projects in multiple African nations, aligning with Italy’s broader development agenda for the continent.
Central to this initiative is the Mattei Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to stimulate economic growth in select African countries. Initially targeting nations such as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria, the plan has recently expanded to include Angola, Ghana, Mauritania, Tanzania, and Senegal, bringing the total to fourteen participating countries.
The Italian government anticipates that these efforts will not only foster economic development but also address underlying factors contributing to migration. 
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Leonardo’s contribution to the partnership involves deploying cutting-edge satellite technology to monitor crops, soil health, and water resources from space. This technological oversight is expected to enhance crop yields and mitigate challenges related to climate change, soil erosion, and inefficient resource management.
Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo, highlighted the role of Telespazio—a joint venture with French company Thales—and its satellite unit e-Geos in providing these digital and satellite solutions.
Complementing this technological support, BF plans to invest €400 million over the next three years, supplemented by state-backed loans. The company’s CEO, Federico Vecchioni, emphasized a collaborative approach aimed at equipping local communities with the tools and expertise necessary to manage their agricultural resources effectively.
Vecchioni stated, “The project aims to give the local populations instruments to manage in the best way possible their wealth of land, with a non-colonialist approach, offering locals the instruments and skills needed.”
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This partnership signifies a concerted effort to leverage technology and investment for sustainable agricultural development in Africa. By integrating satellite monitoring with substantial financial commitments, the collaboration seeks to empower local populations, promote economic stability, and address pressing environmental challenges.
As the initiative progresses, it is poised to serve as a model for international cooperation in sustainable development.
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