Government Calls for Stronger India–Africa Partnerships at New Delhi Conclave
The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr. Sampson Ahi, has urged stronger partnerships between India and Africa to promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.
He made the call while delivering an address on behalf of the Sector Minister, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, at the 20th India–Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi. The conference was held on the theme “Co-Creating a Shared Future.”
In his statement, Mr. Ahi said the relationship between India and Africa must progress beyond traditional donor–beneficiary arrangements to models based on co-investment, co-innovation, and co-creation.
He observed that both regions share similar development realities, including youthful populations, rapid urbanisation, job creation, infrastructure needs, and climate change challenges. These, he noted, create opportunities for cooperation in transformative sectors such as mobility and energy.
The Deputy Minister outlined four pillars for the renewed partnership:
- Collaborative Models for EV Manufacturing – combining India’s expertise in software, battery management, and small EV platforms with Africa’s mineral resources to establish local vehicle ecosystems.
- Affordable Transport Innovations – adapting India’s low-cost transport designs, including next-generation electric three-wheelers, to suit African conditions.
- Sustainable Fuel Adoption – drawing on India’s ethanol production model to process agricultural waste in Africa, thereby improving farmer incomes and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Job Creation and Technical Training – establishing ancillary industries and training centres to build skilled manpower across the continent.
He concluded by calling for practical alliances that would accelerate development across the two regions.
On the sidelines of the conclave, the Deputy Minister visited exhibition stands mounted by participating firms.
