Italy is solidifying its position as a primary Western partner in Niger by expanding its military and strategic cooperation, despite recent security challenges in Niamey. Through the bilateral "MISIN" program, Italian forces focus on training and medical assistance, bypassing wider EU or UN frameworks. This growing partnership is centered on the "Mattei Plan," introduced in 2022, which shifts the focus toward economic development rather than solely migration and security. A key pillar of this cooperation is the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline project connecting Nigeria and Algeria via Niger, which aligns with Italy’s goal to become a key energy hub in Europe, working in tandem with Algerian efforts to foster regional stability.