21 May 2026

Bridging Industry and Development: Med-Or’s Approach to Enhancing Europe-Africa Engagement

As Med-Or Italian Foundation expands its footprint across Africa, the organisation is emerging as a key platform for Europe-Africa cooperation—combining industry expertise, diplomacy, and sustainable development to drive high-impact initiatives across the continent

Med-Or Italian Foundation, a coming together of Italy’s largest public and private companies, continues to expand its Africa portfolio. Serving as an innovative platform for development and cooperation, the Foundation combines industry expertise and academic research to design and implement high-impact, strategic projects.

Med-Or’s initiatives align with Italy’s flagship Mattei Plan, a strategic policy framework aimed at fostering equitable partnerships across Africa. Marking a major milestone in its global outreach, Med-Or opened its first-ever international office in Nairobi in February 2026, establishing it as the hub for Med-Or Africa.

Driving High-Level Engagement and Dialogue

At its core, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for high-level dialogue and engagement. Med-Or Africa is already implementing a series of concrete, policy-shaping initiatives across the continent:

Diplomacy:

Delivering specialised diplomatic training for Somali government officials serving on the UN Security Council.

Agriculture: 

Leading a critical rehabilitation project in the Raya area of Ethiopia’s Tigray region to support post-war recovery.

Blue Economy:

Launching a targeted initiative in Kilifi County, Kenya, designed to modernise and boost the artisanal fisheries sector.

Cybersecurity:

Providing advanced capacity training for 11 African nations, leveraging Italy’s top players.

Continental Outreach:

Driving ongoing engagement and development programmes in several other African countries, including Djibouti, Nigeria, and Zambia.

By positioning its new headquarters in Nairobi, Med-Or solidifies its role as a vital cooperative platform.