14 April 2026 — Opening this morning in the prestigious setting of the Palazzo della Luce in Turin.
Set within the remarkable venue of Palazzo della Luce, IDA SUMMIT 2026 officially opened this morning. The event aims to become a platform for dialogue among businesses, institutions and organizations, fostering exchange and the sharing of experiences between Italy and Africa.
With the participation of Italian and African institutions, entrepreneurs, journalists and professionals from various sectors, the event is expected to be a key moment highlighting Africa as one of the most dynamic regions for Italian small and medium-sized enterprises.
A challenge that many SMEs are now addressing through more structured strategies and a more mature international outlook.
“Although the current international situation has made visa procedures more difficult for several African delegates, limiting their arrival in our country — despite the support and patronage received from our Ministry of Foreign Affairs — key African stakeholders remain confirmed for the presentation of several projects at the IDA Summit. The event therefore promises to be highly significant,” stated Andrea Giannetto during the Summit’s opening session.
Andrea Giannetto is President of IDA – Initiative for the Development of Africa, an international NGO with special consultative status with ECOSOC, headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, and represented in several regions worldwide. The organization promotes Africa’s economic, social and cultural development by fostering international cooperation, entrepreneurial dialogue and knowledge sharing.
The event aims to promote economic integration between Italian and African entrepreneurs by facilitating the creation of commercial, financial, strategic and technological partnerships.
“We have created a must-attend event,” emphasized Andrea Giannetto, “which will not end with the three days in Turin but will continue over time through annual high-level meetings and operational missions both in Africa and in Italy. This marks the beginning of a broader journey, conceived as a permanent platform for dialogue and collaboration among agri-food value-chain stakeholders. It will not be a standalone event, but rather the first step in a series of follow-up activities designed to transform dialogue into concrete operational partnerships.”