Moroccan Abderrahim Naji Wins the Plan Mattei Africa Prize in Italy

Moroccan entrepreneur Abderrahim Naji won the “Plan Mattei Africa Prize” on Wednesday in Rome. Awarded as part of the “Visioni Made in Italy” film project, the prize recognizes his audiovisual work highlighting initiatives by Italian companies on the African continent.

This award, presented to the Moroccan winner for the 2026 edition, aims to shed light on other dimensions of foreign trade, particularly skills, territories, sustainability, and the capacity to generate positive impacts for communities.

Abderrahim Naji was among thirty finalists shortlisted from approximately one hundred applications across Italy. The finalists were judged by a jury of professionals and experts from the audiovisual sector, as well as the business and institutional worlds.

In his statement, Mr. Naji expressed his delight at receiving “this distinction, which reflects a history of Moroccan pride and entrepreneurial excellence, as well as the ties between the Kingdom and Italy.”

“My experience is that of a Moroccan who found in Italy the opportunity to create a business and contribute to industrial development, while remaining deeply attached to my country and the values ​​of my origins,” he added.

Mr. Naji was named “Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year” in Italy in 2015 at the 7th annual MoneyGram Award ceremony.

Held on the sidelines of the Rome Film Festival, the ceremony was attended by numerous prominent figures from the business, diplomatic, political, artistic, and media spheres.

The “Visioni Made in Italy” project, initiated by the subsidiary of the public group Caisse de dépôts et de prêt, “SIMEST”, in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to place cinema at the service of economic and cultural diplomacy and the promotion of Italian know-how internationally.