Knowledge and education are the cornerstones of socio-economic development. The Mattei Plan for Africa, launched in January 2024 by the Italian government, has “education, training and culture” as one of its pillar and key areas of focus.  As part of the Mattei Plan’s broader goal to support development in partner countries, this pillar aims to engage a wide and diverse audience — especially young people — in African partner countries, through collaboration with local authorities and universities. As with other areas of the Plan, working in synergy with other international institutions such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the European Union, as well as other G7 countries, can help ensure a greater and more lasting impact. In this session, personalities from international organisations, the cultural and academic world discuss how to stimulate inclusive growth and sustainable development in African countries. Why and to what extent are initiatives in the fields of training, education, and culture a necessary component for strengthening inclusive growth in the continent? What are the main priorities for African local authorities, universities, and businesses in this area? And how can cooperation with other international institutions, as envisaged in the Mattei Plan, be further strengthened in this sector as well?