Africa at the Centre

Context:

 During President DroupadiMurmu's visit to Mauritius, India reinforced its commitment to strengthening ties with African nations, highlighting the significance of the Indian Ocean Region and Africa in its foreign policy agenda.

India's Engagement with Africa:

• Economic Partnerships: India's engagement with Africa extends beyond rhetoric, with substantial investments and trade partnerships. Indian investments in Africa reached $98 billion in 2023, showcasing the depth of economic cooperation. Additionally, Indian social enterprises and NGOs are actively contributing to Africa's development through innovative solutions in various sectors.
• Global Governance: Africa's growing influence in global forums presents opportunities for India's vision of inclusive global governance. As India advocates for the African Union's representation in platforms like the G20, it aligns with the goal of reforming existing structures to reflect the realities of a multipolar world.
• Sustainable Development Cooperation: India's focus on sustainable development cooperation with Africa encompasses critical minerals and technical capacity building. Collaboration in the critical minerals sector, given Africa's abundance of resources, is crucial for India's energy transition and national security. Moreover, enhancing technical capacity building among Africa's workforce aligns with India's commitment to education and skill development in the region.

Enhancing India-Africa Relations:

• Leveraging Historical Partnerships: As India positions itself as a leading voice of the Global South, strengthening historical partnerships with African nations becomes imperative. India's multifaceted relationship with Africa offers significant opportunities for both regions, ranging from economic cooperation to global governance reforms.
• Opportunities for Cooperation: India's engagement with Africa presents avenues for cooperation in various sectors, including critical minerals, technical capacity building, and sustainable development. By leveraging Africa's potential and historical ties, India can contribute to the continent's growth and development while advancing its own strategic interests.
• Future Prospects: As geopolitical dynamics evolve, India's engagement with African nations is poised for transformation. Recognizing Africa's importance in the Global South, India must prioritize deepening partnerships and fostering mutual cooperation to achieve shared developmental goals.