India and Africa: Co-Creating a Shared Future
The 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave opened in New Delhi on 27th August with the presence of senior dignitaries, including H.E. General (Retd.) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President of Zimbabwe, industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives from both India and Africa.
Addressing the inaugural plenary, Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh underlined the growing significance of the conclave as a platform for deepening trade, investment, and development cooperation between India and Africa.
Over the course of three days, participants are set to deliberate on diverse areas of mutual interest, including financial partnerships, infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, energy, defence, agriculture, and capacity building. Singh expressed confidence that the event would “build upon the achievements of the past two decades and further boost the momentum in our economic and commercial ties.”
Highlighting the historic roots of India–Africa ties, Shri Singh recalled how the two regions shared centuries-old trade and cultural exchanges and stood shoulder to shoulder during Africa’s struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
He noted that in the past decade alone, there have been over 40 high-level visits from India to Africa and more than 100 high-level visits from Africa to India, reflecting the depth of the engagement.
“As members of the Global South, we believe Africa must have its rightful place at the global high table,” he stated, proudly noting that during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Development and Capacity Building
Shri Singh emphasised that India’s development partnership with Africa, initiated formally at the first India–Africa Forum Summit in 2008, continues to be guided by Africa’s own priorities.
He highlighted that India has extended over USD 12.37 billion in concessional loans, supporting more than 200 completed projects, with 65 currently underway. Additionally, since 2015, India has provided USD 700 million in grant assistance in sectors such as irrigation, electrification, power, technology parks, textiles, and railways.
A key focus remains on capacity building. Singh recalled that India had announced 50,000 scholarships for African youth in 2015, out of which over 42,000 have already been utilised. He proudly added, “It is a matter of pride for us that several high-ranking leaders, ministers and officials from Africa have studied in our universities.”
Through initiatives like the e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti network, launched in 2019, India has expanded opportunities in tele-education and tele-medicine. Over 15,000 students from 22 African countries have already enrolled under this initiative.
Shared Solidarity in Times of Need
Reaffirming India’s role as a reliable partner in crises, Shri Singh said, “India has always stood by Africa in times of need — often as the first responder.”
He recalled operations such as Operation Sahayata in Mozambique (2019), Operation Vanilla in Madagascar (2020), and assistance to Mauritius during the oil spill. He also highlighted India’s global initiative, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019, to which African nations have been invited.
Trade, Investment, and Sustainability
On the economic front, Shri Singh announced that India–Africa bilateral trade has crossed USD 100 billion in 2024–25, nearly doubling from USD 56 billion in 2019–20. With USD 75 billion cumulative investments since 1996, India now stands among the top five investors in Africa.
“Through the Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme, we have opened 98.2% of our tariff lines to African nations, benefitting 33 Least Developed Countries of Africa,” he explained.
He also underlined the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, as a game-changer for Indian businesses seeking to expand their footprint on the continent.
On sustainability, Shri Singh reiterated India’s commitment to Africa’s energy transition through the International Solar Alliance, providing a collaborative platform for renewable energy growth.
Looking Ahead
Shri Singh reaffirmed the values of trust, transparency, and mutual respect that anchor the India–Africa relationship. “India and Africa are natural partners. Together, we are shaping a shared future for our peoples, creating growth opportunities, and ensuring sustainable development. I am confident that by working together, India and Africa will successfully overcome emerging global challenges and build a stronger, more resilient partnership.”
Kanchi Batra
Kanchi Batra is the Managing Editor of The Diplomatist.
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