Green Economy: Italy, a pioneer, sets its sights on Africa

The recent episodes of devastating floods in Spain, reminding us of the urgency to act against climate change, sadly lend legitimacy to this 27th edition of Ecomondo. The exhibition, which opened on November 5 and runs until November 8 in the seaside town of Rimini, Italy, is an essential venue for addressing ecological challenges.

« Ecomondo has become a unique international platform, bringing together industry actors, policymakers, researchers, and companies committed to environmental sustainability, » emphasized Maurizio Renzo Ermeti, president of IEG, at the opening ceremony. He also reflected on the event’s journey, which, launched as Ricicla in 1997, has today become a global benchmark for the green and circular economy.

An ambitious program to accelerate the ecological transition

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This edition of Ecomondo hosts over 1,600 exhibiting brands and buyers from around the world, along with 72 international organizations. To meet the growing demand, two new pavilions have been added, offering space for more than 200 conferences, workshops, and meetings. The program was designed by Ecomondo’s Scientific and Technical Committee, led by Fabio Fava, who stated: « This year’s program positions Ecomondo at the center of the global dialogue on the crucial issues of the ecological transition. »

Italy at the forefront of the tnternational green transition

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Ecomondo also aims to showcase international innovation in the sector, especially “Made in Italy.” “The exhibition illustrates the innovation and quality of Italian companies, driving ecological and digital transition on a global scale,” noted Fabrizio Lobasso, deputy director-general for the promotion of the national system at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister of Environment, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, discussed Ecomondo’s impact on the national economy and its efforts in decarbonization and energy efficiency.

Ecomondo also hosts the General States of the Green Economy, where the 2024 Report on the State of the Green Economy in Italy was presented. This provided Edo Ronchi, president of the Foundation for Sustainable Development, with an opportunity to give a mixed assessment of Italy’s progress: “Despite advances in emission reduction and increased renewable energy, the efforts remain insufficient given the severity of the climate crisis.”

In 2023, Italy reduced its emissions by more than 6%, crossing the threshold of 390 million tons of greenhouse gases for the first time. Renewable energy has also seen significant growth, with 44% of Italy’s electricity now sourced from renewables—a major advancement, though still not enough to meet European targets for 2030.

The report highlights significant progress in reducing energy consumption, particularly in the building sector, but notes that the transportation sector remains a challenge with a 2.2% increase in consumption in 2023. In terms of circularity, Italy remains at the forefront in Europe, generating 3.6 euros of GDP per kilogram of resource consumed, well above the European average.

Africa, a key partner in the Mattei Plan

As the event goes international, with satellite events like Ecomondo Mexico and Ecomondo China aimed at spreading environmental technologies beyond Europe, the 2024 edition pays particular attention to Africa, represented by eight African delegations and companies from Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Botswana, Senegal, South Africa, and Kenya.

The latter, notably prominent at this edition, ranks among the most advanced African countries in green innovation. With ambitious initiatives in renewable energy and waste management, Kenya stands out as one of the continent’s leaders in ecological transition. The country already produces over 80% of its electricity from renewable sources, particularly geothermal and wind energy, and has recently launched projects to improve waste recycling and reduce CO2 emissions. However, like the rest of Africa, Kenya faces significant challenges in fully exploiting its potential in the sector.

“Sustainable development in Africa is an opportunity, but it requires international support and substantial investments to turn this vision into reality”

Indeed, while Africa has remarkable potential for green economy development, particularly through its sunshine and vast natural resources, numerous obstacles remain. The lack of adequate infrastructure, financial challenges, and limited access to technology are barriers to effective transition. “Sustainable development in Africa is an opportunity, but it requires international support and substantial investments to turn this vision into reality,” reminded Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, organizer of Ecomondo.

This year’s edition places special focus on Africa, in line with Italy’s Mattei plan and the African Green Growth event (4th edition), organized by Ecomondo in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security and the task force for implementing the Mattei plan. Collaboration with the E4Impact Foundation, operating in 20 African countries (chaired by Letizia Moratti) and offering MBA training programs, acceleration, incubation, and local entrepreneurship support, is also crucial.

“Africa is now an essential partner in building a green and sustainable future. We must join forces to address climate challenges while promoting fair development”

Through the Mattei Plan, Italy is committed to supporting African countries in their energy transition and circular economy development, highlighting collaborative models that could inspire more sustainable growth. “Africa is now an essential partner in building a green and sustainable future. We must join forces to address climate challenges while promoting fair development,” emphasized Edo Ronchi, president of the Foundation for Sustainable Development.

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To reinforce this dynamic, the Africa Green Forum will take place on November 7 as part of Ecomondo. This event will bring together experts, policymakers, and representatives of African and international companies, who will share their experiences and explore ways to accelerate the ecological transition in Africa. This underscores Italy’s commitment to building strong cooperation with African countries to address global climate challenges. In this regard, Ecomondo 2024 promises to be a key platform for promoting an inclusive and sustainable green economy, with Africa at the forefront of this essential transition.

By Dounia Ben Mohamed, Rimini

Tags: #greeneconomy #sustainability #Ecomondo2024 #greentechnologies #ecologicaltransition #Italy #circularity #emissionreduction #renewableenergy #Matteiplan #AfricanGreenGrowth