Zimbabwe’s Vice President Calls for Stronger India–Africa Partnerships at the 20th CII India Africa Business Conclave

by Kanchi Batra - 28 August, 2025, 12:00 384 Views 0 Comment

H.E. General (Retd.) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, delivered the keynote address as Guest of Honour at the inaugural session of the 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave, highlighting the deep bonds between Africa and India and calling for a future built on equal partnership, innovation, and shared prosperity.

Addressing a packed hall of government leaders, diplomats, and captains of industry, Dr. Chiwenga underlined that Africa’s relationship with India extends far beyond trade. “Africa and India share a relationship that transcends commerce. It is a partnership rooted in shared values — sovereignty, self-determination, and mutual respect — values forged during our parallel struggles for independence,” he observed.

He emphasised that today’s partnership is not about dependency, but about equality and opportunity: “We meet not as former colonies seeking assistance or handouts, but as equal partners, determined to chart new pathways of opportunity, progress, and prosperity for our peoples.”

The conclave’s theme, “Synergies Towards Co-Creating a Shared Future,” he noted, was a fitting reflection of the ambition and trust binding India and Africa.

Africa’s Promise and India’s Vision

Dr. Chiwenga highlighted Africa’s demographic and economic strengths, pointing to its young and dynamic population. “By 2050, Africa will be home to over 2.5 billion people, fuelling consumer demand, industrialisation, and infrastructure development on an unprecedented scale,” he said.

He drew parallels with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, noting that the complementarities between the two regions position them as the future engines of global growth.

He stressed that Africa is more than just a resource base: “Our rich endowments — platinum, lithium, gold, chrome, and some of the rarest diamonds — position us as a critical player in the global supply chain and advanced manufacturing. Our fertile soils, favourable climate, and youthful population make us a natural partner in agriculture, food processing, and digital transformation.”

Zimbabwe: A Strategic Partner

The Vice President positioned Zimbabwe as a key partner for Indian business. “Zimbabwe stands today as a ready and reliable partner, strategically positioned at the heart of Southern Africa. We provide access to a market of 300 million consumers under SADC and 640 million through COMESA, as well as duty-free opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.

He noted that Zimbabwe’s national vision is to achieve upper-middle-income economy status by 2030, and in that journey, Indian partnerships are critical.

Dr. Chiwenga outlined opportunities across multiple sectors. In mining and value addition, Zimbabwe is focused on lithium and other critical minerals that power electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. In agriculture and food processing, he called for collaboration that combines Indian technology with Zimbabwean land to secure regional food security. He also highlighted the potential in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, urging Indian companies to establish manufacturing plants to serve Zimbabwe and neighbouring markets.

On ICT and digital infrastructure, the Vice President underlined the potential for Indian expertise to accelerate Zimbabwe’s transition to a connected economy, where e-commerce could unlock new streams of growth. In infrastructure development, he pointed to opportunities in building dams, highways, rail systems, and smart cities, drawing on India’s rich experience.

Equally important, he said, is Zimbabwe’s human capital — a young, skilled, and digitally savvy workforce that can anchor future industries. Finally, he assured investors that Zimbabwe’s reformed policies, special economic zones, and one-stop investment services make it one of Africa’s most competitive investment destinations.

With emphasis, he declared: “Zimbabwe is open for business — not for extraction, but for value creation, joint ventures, and partnerships.”

Building a Shared Future

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Chiwenga called on India and Africa to deepen their bonds of cooperation. “As we deliberate in this conclave, let us remember: the strongest partnerships are not measured by what one country can take from another, but by what we can create together — industries, innovation, jobs, and prosperity for both our peoples.”

He ended on a powerful note: “Zimbabwe is ready. Africa is ready. Together with India, we can write the next great chapter of South-South cooperation, showing the world that partnerships among developing nations can drive innovation, transform economies, and shape a more equitable global order.”