For the Senate, as for the Chamber of Deputies, Italians living in the African continent have the opportunity to vote for a compatriot who lives there and is ready to serve their specific interests as well, in addition to those of the entire division that includes Asia, Oceania and Antarctica.
He is Sandro Fratini, a citizen of Ancona who has been living in Tunis for over twenty years, a business consultant specialised in the development of economic relations and trade relations between Italian and foreign companies and an expert in international cooperation. Fratini has dedicated his personal and professional life to supporting Italian communities abroad, creating solid networks with Italy over the years.

On a political level, he is President of the Comites in Tunis and delegate for Asia, Africa, Oceania and Antarctica of the Democratic Party, of which he chairs the Research and Internationalisation Commission.
Malindikenya.net interviewed him on the eve of the national elections on 25 September.

Fratini, the African continent can represent one of the key resources for Western companies. Unlike the big US-China bloc and other European nations, Italy has not yet understood its potential and opportunities. What can and should be done to boost Italian investments in Africa?
"We are aware that the economic and social development of African countries is a common interest. It is in Italy's and Europe's interest to avoid the impoverishment and depopulation of Africa. A long-term investment strategy must therefore be developed.
It is a priority to invest in the training sector. Only in this way can concrete help be given to the many young people without a job and in search of employment, and the mass migration phenomena that take the most precious resources away from the African countries of origin be curbed. With this in mind, a plan must be drawn up to support and incentivise investments by Italian companies in Africa. I believe it is essential that the support plan include funding for staff training, including the teaching of the Italian language. The underlying objective that gives meaning to this programme is: 'Produce in Africa for Africa'.
Countries such as Kenya, for example, one of the leading economies in sub-Saharan Africa, offer solutions in various sectors, from agribusiness to tourism, from textiles to dairy products. Is it possible to think about funding from the Institutes of Commerce, the Comites and other bodies for fairs, workshops and other initiatives to develop and promote 'Made in Italy' in a reciprocal manner?
"We need to make the existing tools more efficient and make the available resources more accessible, implement and improve the various forms of financing provided by Simest, the company that supports the growth of Italian companies around the world, for commercial and industrial initiatives. A valuable and propulsive role should certainly be played by the Comites, which have been waiting for years for a real reform, to which I am personally committed. Also not to be overlooked is the role of the Mixed Chambers of Commerce, the enhancement of which is an integral and fundamental part of my programme'.
Residents in Kenya, like those in other African states, have been waiting for years to see the double taxation that burdens their pensions, for example, eliminated. We read that it is one of the priorities of your programme. How does he intend to act?
'To eliminate double taxation, bilateral agreements must be concluded between Italy and other states. Some already exist, others are yet to be concluded. I am committed to the Italian government concluding bilateral agreements with East African countries in a short and certain time. I will be responsible for promoting such a programme and supervising the timing and methods of its implementation, giving appropriate information to Italian citizens'.
An important aspect of your commitment to Italians abroad is health. What are your ideas for improving health care for your compatriots?
"Guaranteeing the right to health for Italian citizens registered with AIRE is one of the urgent priority objectives. Health care for those travelling to Italy must be ensured beyond urgent cases, through the reintroduction of the health card. In addition, every citizen must be guaranteed uniform and equal health treatment, regardless of their region of origin. Temporary forms of assistance covering the entire period of return to Italy must be ensured. The conclusion of health policies in favour of AIRE members and their families should be promoted, with special agreements sponsored by the Italian associations present in the territories'.
One last question. Have you ever been to Kenya or East Africa?
"I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting Kenya but if I am elected it will be one of the countries I intend to visit. I am merely expressing a wish, but my intention to take care of the citizens of this beautiful country is a certainty. Africa, Asia, not forgetting Oceania, will be at the centre of my political agenda'.