The graduation ceremony marked the successful conclusion of the programme promoted by the Luiss School of Government in partnership with CIHEAM Bari and supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

This initiative puts the vision of the Mattei Plan for Africa into concrete action by strengthening public institutions and investing in human capital through a peer-to-peer partnership. From March to October 2026, thirty mid- and senior-level public officials from ten African nations engaged in online modules, residential sessions in Rome and Bari, and applied project work addressing crucial challenges such as climate change, food security, and local governance. A heartfelt thank you to Ambassador Stefano Gatti Director General for Development Cooperation at MAECI and the Director of CIHEAM Bari Biagio Di Terlizzi for their strategic guidance.

Congratulations to all the graduates, who are now ready to lead innovation and development across their countries as a true community of public leaders.