Africa at the center

Context: India should center on African countries in its global south narrative.

Africa’s importance for India:

• Indian investments in Africa is $98 billion (2023), with trade amounting to $100 billion.
• Africa’s influence in global forums is crucial for India’s global governance vision.
• Africa houses three-fourths of humanity and contributes over 39% to global GDP.
• Africa’s 30% share of global mineral reserves is vital for the energy transition.
• Convergence of India’s supply chain diversification and Africa’s value chain ambitions

India’s development assistance to Africa:

• 42 African countries rank as the second-largest recipients of credit extended by India.
• Around 200 developmental projects have been completed in Africa.
• Indian social enterprises and NGOs are exporting low-cost, scalable solutions, from eco-friendly houses to rural women solar engineers.

The way ahead:

• Leveraging historical partnerships with Africa is vital for India’s Global South aspirations.
• Consider revitalizing existing collaborations or forging new ones with African technical organizations.
• Such efforts would enhance negotiation skills, provide project management training, and offer industry-specific technical courses.
• Indian research institutes collaborating with Africa’s research community can develop solutions to tackle Global South challenges.

Source: The Hindu