As the Conclave continues to foster dialogue and partnerships, it stands as a testament to the enduring and evolving relationship between India and Africa, aiming to create a shared future rooted in cooperation and mutual growth
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
The 19th edition of Africa Conclave on India-Africa Partnership opened in New Delhi at Hotel Taj Palace on August 20. The focus of the three-day event revolved around bilateral, trilateral, and regional discussions, with a spotlight on emerging opportunities in various sectors including Agriculture, Food Processing, Defence, Digital Partnership, Financial Partnership, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Power and Energy, and Skill Capacity Development.
New to this edition, the Conclave will also introduce product launches, highlighting the AAA approach of Indian businesses towards Africa—Affordable, Adaptable, and Appropriate.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India, initiated the Africa Conclave on India-Africa Partnership in 2005.
Since its inception, the Conclave has grown into a significant platform, drawing senior ministers, policymakers, and business leaders from both Africa and India, representing a wide array of sectors. Over the years, the Conclave has seen participation from more than 10,000 African delegates and over 8,500 Indian delegates, hosting over 500 senior ministers, including heads of state from Africa.
During the inaugural session in New Delhi, India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the potential for India and a resurgent Africa to invigorate South-South Cooperation. He pointed out the vast opportunities for collaboration in clean technology, climate-resilient agriculture, maritime security, connectivity, and the blue economy. India’s progress in space sector cooperation with Africa and the digitization across various sectors were also underscored as key areas of collaboration. India’s commitment to capacity building, training, and education in Africa aligns with the priorities of the African Union.
Vice President Dhankhar also highlighted India’s position as Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, attributing this robust relationship to India’s democratic values and dynamic economy. The inclusion of the African Union in India’s G20 presidency was recognized as a pivotal geopolitical milestone. He reiterated the theme of this year’s Conclave, “Creating One Future,” which resonates deeply with India’s civilizational ethos and the G20 motto, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
Over the years, the Conclave has seen participation from more than 10,000 African delegates and over 8,500 Indian delegates, hosting over 500 senior ministers, including heads of state from Africa
Vice President of Zimbabwe, Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, emphasized the importance of a strong vision in deepening India-Africa relations. He highlighted the abundant investment opportunities Africa offers to Indian companies, suggesting that India’s technological prowess combined with Africa’s rich mineral resources could lead to mutually beneficial collaborations. Vice President of Mauritius, Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon, noted Mauritius’ adoption of India’s UPI system and issuance of RuPay cards, marking significant steps in economic collaboration between the two regions. He emphasized the future focus on sustainability and food safety within the India-Mauritius bilateral relationship.
Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, welcomed investments, particularly in hydro projects, expressing Liberia’s eagerness to collaborate with global partners to drive mutual growth and innovation. Meanwhile, Vice President of Gambia, Muhammad B.S. Jallow, invited innovative ideas and trade opportunities, stressing Gambia’s readiness to promote impactful joint ventures.
As the Conclave continues to foster dialogue and partnerships, it stands as a testament to the enduring and evolving relationship between India and Africa, aiming to create a shared future rooted in cooperation and mutual growth.
Samrat Sengupta, Vice-President Business Development, EKI Energy Services called the India-Africa Conclave “a powerful platform that showcases how sustainable development can be achieved through strategic partnerships.”
“By leveraging our combined expertise in clean energy and climate solutions, we are paving the way for a greener, more resilient future for both regions,” he said.
Diwesh Kumar Mishra, a delegate from Nigeria, said, “The India-Africa partnership is more than just a collaboration—it’s a dynamic alliance that harnesses the unique strengths of both regions. Through this Conclave, we are not just building business ties; we are shaping the future of global trade and innovation, ensuring that the growth of one is the success of all.”
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