The development prospects of the African economy as a whole are now recognised as attractive, with analysts and practitioners unanimously agreeing. In addition to the growth in trade due to population growth, Africa is combining its traditional strengths in agriculture and raw materials with the beginning of industrialisation. Development is 'spotty', but where it occurs, growth is rapid, thanks in part to the nearshoring and offshoring strategies of European and Asian players. From this picture, in which Italy is trying to strengthen its position with the Mattei Plan that has just been converted into law, emerges the importance of maritime as well as air Italy-Africa logistics and the need to seize the opportunities for further development. It is not only a matter of transporting goods and passengers, but also of offering services and expertise