Monrovia – Liberian international criminal law scholar, Dr. Sylvester Sammie, is calling on the Boakai-Koung administration to intensify diplomatic engagement with Italy in order to benefit from the Mattei Plan for Africa—a transformative initiative launched by the Italian government aimed at redefining African-European relations.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Sammie on the line from Rome, he describes the plan as a “monumental opportunity” that Liberia must not ignore. “It is my sincere appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Government of Liberia to position our nation as a proactive participant in this transformative agenda,” he said.
Based in Rome, Dr. Sammie brings over two decades of experience working with the United Nations, international criminal tribunals, and international NGOs. He believes the Mattei Plan offers Liberia a unique opportunity to secure development based on mutual respect, sustainability, and African agency.
“The Mattei Plan is not merely an economic framework,” he explained. “It is a gateway to shared development rooted in diplomacy, vision, and timing—elements that Liberia must leverage now.”
What Is the Mattei Plan?
Named after Enrico Mattei, founder of the Italian energy giant ENI, the Mattei Plan marks a significant shift from the traditional donor-recipient aid model to one based on equal partnership.
It targets six critical sectors including energy cooperation and renewables, infrastructure and industrial investment, education and vocational training, migration management through development, agriculture and food security, climate action and environmental protection.
“Over €5.5 billion in Italian and EU-backed funding has already been earmarked to support projects across Africa,” Dr. Sammie revealed. “The plan is being rolled out in 14 African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Ghana—showing early signs of meaningful long-term collaboration.”
Why Liberia Must Act Now
Dr. Sammie believes Liberia has the potential to become a flagship partner in the Mattei Plan, particularly under the Boakai administration’s emphasis on good governance, economic revitalization, and youth empowerment.
On Renewable Energy, he said Liberia’s energy sector is still underdeveloped. The Mattei Plan can support solar mini-grids, rural electrification, and green hydrogen projects—all critical for powering agriculture, schools, health centers, and small industries.
On Youth Skills Development, the Liberian scholar noted that Italy is investing heavily in scholarships and technical training programs across Africa. “Liberia’s youthful population could benefit from formal academic and vocational partnerships with Italian institutions—returning home to contribute to national innovation and growth.”
For Agricultural Transformation, he stated that food security is a core pillar of the Mattei Plan. Liberia’s fertile land and favorable climate make it ideal for investment in irrigation, agro-processing, and sustainable farming—initiatives that could create thousands of rural jobs.
Key Recommendations
To ensure Liberia does not miss this opportunity, Dr. Sammie recommends several steps. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate high-level engagement with the Italian government and EU delegation in Rome. He also advises that the Government should develop clear project proposals based on the ARREST Agenda aligned with Mattei Plan focus areas. Furthermore, he stresses that Liberia’s Embassy in Rome must be empowered and resourced with appointed resident Ambassador to serve as a diplomatic bridge for this initiative.
Dr. Sammie also offered his personal support. “As a Liberian with deep ties to the Italian development sector, I am ready to offer my full support to the Government of Liberia in navigating this process,” Dr. Sammie affirms. “My networks span not only Italian ministries but also relevant EU development institutions and non-governmental partners.”
As part of his personal contribution to these national priorities, Dr. Sammie states, he recently established the Liberia Country Office of Justice and Accountability Worldwide (JAW), an international NGO he founded in Rome. “JAW is actively supporting the implementation of the Government’s ARREST Agenda and is currently collaborating with key ministries in Liberia to advance justice reform and combat trafficking,” he said.
He said the Mattei Plan is more than policy—it is a vision for shared prosperity. “Italy is extending a hand to Africa, not as a patron, but as a partner. The question is whether Liberia will extend hers in return.”
He added: “President Boakai has already restored international goodwill and demonstrated visionary leadership. Seizing the Mattei opportunity would not only attract new investment but also position Liberia as a model for African-European partnership. Let us act now—with resolve, clarity, and unity. The future is watching.”
About Dr. Sylvester Sammie
Dr. Sammie is a distinguished Liberian international criminal law scholar and practitioner with over 18 years of experience working with the United Nations, the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), and various INGOs. He holds a Ph.D. in International Criminal Law from the University of Groningen (Netherlands), an LL.M. in International Criminal Law from the University of Turin (Italy), and a Master’s in Human Rights from Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna/University of Pisa (Italy).
He can be contacted at +39 379 261 4898 and [email protected]
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