By: Energy capital & power

Italy is emerging as a key player in reshaping Euro-African energy diplomacy, with energy giant Eni at the helm of a bold new strategy in Libya. Backed by the Mattei Plan, an €8 billion investment in Libya by Eni marks a strategic leap in Italy’s bid to strengthen economic ties with North Africa. As Europe accelerates efforts to diversify from Russian gas, Italy is anchoring its energy future in stable, long-term partnerships across the Mediterranean.

As Italy increases its focus on long-term investments through Eni and regional partnerships with Libya, the upcoming Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 – set for January 24-26, 2026 – provides a high-level platform to advance the countries’ strategic cooperation. The summit offers an ideal venue to align public and private stakeholders, accelerate infrastructure development and reinforce Libya’s critical role in ensuring regional energy security.

Eni’s €8 Billion Investment in Libya

Targeting offshore and onshore development projects, including the expansion of gas output at the Bouri and Bahr Essalam fields, Eni’s €8 billion investment will boost production capacity while addressing rising domestic demand. Through Mellitah Oil & Gas – a joint venture with Libya’s National Oil Corporation – Eni is leading the Bouri Gas Utilization Project, set to export gas to Europe via the Greenstream pipeline by 2026.

These developments signal a renewed long-term commitment to Libya’s energy sector, as Italy seeks to anchor its energy supply chain in a region rich with hydrocarbons. The €8 billion is part of a broader €24 billion regional initiative encompassing Algeria, Libya and Egypt – three pillars in Italy’s southern energy corridor. Eni has emphasized that these countries hold untapped potential that, with strategic investment, can ensure energy security for Europe while enabling North African growth.

The Mattei Plan

The Mattei Plan is Italy’s strategic framework for reimagining its relationship with Africa, shifting from aid-based dependency to partnership-based development. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has positioned this plan as the cornerstone of a new Mediterranean energy strategy that prioritizes economic cooperation, regional stability and migration management. In Libya, this has translated into multi-sector cooperation agreements, including health, education and renewable energy research. The plan includes large-scale infrastructure upgrades, particularly in energy transport and production, helping Libya modernize its sector and increase exports while meeting domestic energy demand.

By investing in Libya’s revitalization, Italy aims to foster a stable environment for both energy development and broader regional trade. Italy’s active engagement with Libya through the Mattei Plan demonstrates a commitment to balanced, inclusive cooperation.

Libya’s Role in Italy’s Energy Supply Chain

Libya, with an estimated 48.4 billion barrels of proven oil reserves – the largest in Africa – is a vital supplier of energy to Italy. The Greenstream pipeline, spanning 520km from the Wafa and Bahr Essalam fields to Gela, Sicily, has become a critical infrastructure asset, with a transport capacity of up to 11 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year.

With Eni as the largest foreign operator in Libya – responsible for nearly 80% of the country’s gas exports – Italy is positioned to play a decisive role in shaping regional energy flows and reinforcing supply to European and international markets.

LEES 2026 is set to be an instrumental forum in strengthening Libya’s economic and energy ties with international partners. With Eni’s investments setting the stage for large-scale sector revival in Libya, LEES 2026 offers a platform to showcase infrastructure upgrades, regional integration projects and new investment opportunities under the Mattei Plan. The summit will spotlight Libya’s emergence as a stable energy partner and reinforce the country’s leadership role in Mediterranean energy security.

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. Visit www.libyasummit.com to secure your participation. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com