On Friday 8 November, starting at 10:00 a.m. CET, Palazzo Koch in Rome will host the conference 'Italy and the World Bank Group: Partnering for Africa's Prosperity', organized by the World Bank, Banca d'Italia, and Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance. The conference will open with welcome remarks by Fabio Panetta, Governor of Banca d’Italia, and an address from Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers.
Africa stands at a critical juncture in its development journey. The continent holds immense potential, but progress is hindered by climate change, conflict, poverty, unemployment, and unequal access to energy and basic services. In response to these challenges, Italy and the World Bank Group have forged a strategic partnership to accelerate sustainable development and poverty reduction in Africa. This event marks a significant milestone in this partnership.
The opening session will also be joined by Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italy's Minister of Economy and Finance; Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, Denny Kalyalya, Governor of the Zambia Central Bank and Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. The session will be moderated by Silvia Berzoni from Class CNBC.
A thematic panel will follow: 'Digitalizing Africa: The Future of Payment Systems', with Piero Cipollone, Executive Board member, European Central Bank; Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank Export Import Bank; Denny Kalyalya, Governor of the Bank of Zambia; Tara Rice, Head of the Secretariat supporting the Bank for International Settlements' Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures; Pablo Saavedra, World Bank Vice President for Prosperity.
Participation in the conference is by invitation only.
