Rimini in November is a blend of crisp Mediterranean air, ancient architecture, and the unmistakable hum of forward-thinking energy. Arriving in the city for Ecomondo 2024, I knew this wasn’t just another sustainability expo; this was a curated showcase of how Europe intends to shape, drive, and lead the green economy. From the moment I entered the exhibition hall—spanning a record 166,000 square meters—it was clear that Ecomondo had elevated itself beyond traditional trade shows. This was a think tank, a melting pot, a nexus where policymakers, industry veterans, and activists converge to move beyond rhetoric to action.
Italy, with its historical grounding and cultural pride, is a fascinating place to discuss the future. Rimini itself embodies this balance, integrating sustainable urban planning with a respect for the past. Strolling through the city’s cobbled streets, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to African cities, where tradition runs deep. Rimini has found a way to honor its heritage while pressing forward with green transport solutions and public spaces that work in harmony with the environment. The question is, can we reimagine Nairobi, Accra, or Dakar in a similar way? The city left me pondering the potential for African metropolises to adopt these forward-looking principles without erasing their histories.
Inside Ecomondo, I witnessed a staggering array of technologies. Italy, alongside partners from across the globe, had assembled tools and solutions that could very well shape the coming decades. Solar power innovations, advanced water management systems, biodegradable materials—it was all here, tangible and immediate. Yet, beyond the technology itself, what struck me was the pragmatism of the ideas. These weren’t pipe dreams; these were solutions backed by the sharpest minds in science, economics, and policy. In an era of climate urgency, the mood here was one of clear-eyed resolve.
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There was also a strong undercurrent of cultural exchange at the event. Over coffee, I debated with a Dutch renewable energy financier about Africa’s unique challenges. He had strong views on financing EV infrastructure, while I countered with a perspective grounded in African realities—where solutions often need to be smaller in scale and more adaptable. These kinds of exchanges, between seasoned professionals who respect the nuances each brings to the table, are what Ecomondo fosters so well. The people here weren’t newcomers; they were experts, comfortable challenging each other with the aim of sharpening ideas.
A clear takeaway was how collaboration and innovation are increasingly global in scope. Italy is at the heart of Europe’s push for a circular economy, but the issues are universal. Conversations spanned borders as easily as they moved across sectors, and the talk of future Ecomondos in Latin America and Asia speaks to the international reach of this movement. In Italy, Ecomondo has been built into a bridge—a place for connecting East to West, North to South, each region bringing its own challenges and perspectives to the shared work of sustainability.
Italy’s green movement doesn’t end with new regulations and technologies; it’s backed by a cultural shift that feels embedded. Walking through Rimini, and especially within Ecomondo, it became clear that Italy’s approach to sustainability is rooted in its respect for craft and quality. This is a culture that values the materials and processes that shape daily life, and that philosophy was mirrored in every exhibit. It’s a notion I believe Africa could tap into. Africa, like Italy, has a wealth of heritage, but it also holds massive potential for sustainable industries rooted in locally-sourced materials and low-impact practices.
Of course, the highlight of any Italian trip isn’t complete without a touch of football, and a visit to San Siro for the Inter Milan vs. Arsenal match didn’t disappoint. Here, the passion of the Italians for their national sport offered a poignant reminder of the power of tradition and cultural identity. There’s something to be learned here—sustainability is as much about preserving culture as it is about saving resources. Watching the crowd’s intensity, I thought about the importance of rooting the green movement in a sense of identity and pride, something both Africa and Italy share deeply.
As Ecomondo 2024 wrapped up, the mood was cautiously optimistic. Italy’s leadership in the European Green Deal has positioned it as a central figure in the green transition, with an openness to partnering globally. For Africa, there’s much to learn from Italy’s experience, but equally much that Africa can contribute. If anything, this conference reinforced that sustainability isn’t just a technological challenge but a profoundly cultural one. For both continents, the journey is about redefining what progress looks like while preserving what makes us unique.
