The 19th edition of the India Africa Business Conclave is set to take place next month, aiming to serve as a catalyst for Africa’s growth and highlighting the crucial role of the India-Africa partnership in regional and global value chain integration. This event will see the participation of numerous dignitaries, highlighting the significance of the conclave in fostering stronger bilateral and multilateral relations.
Among the notable attendees is Mohammed BS Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, accompanied by two ministers: Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, and Musa S Drammeh, Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources. Their presence underscores the importance of this event for The Gambia and its commitment to strengthening ties with India.
A special guest at the conclave will be Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Emirates Drug Establishment. His participation highlights the broadening scope of the conclave, bringing in perspectives and collaborations beyond the African continent.
From Africa, several ministers will attend, including Serge Gnaniodem Poda, Minister of Industrial Development, Commerce, Handicrafts, and Small and Medium Enterprises of Burkina Faso; Dr. Ahmed Samir, Minister of Trade and Industry of Egypt; Juan Jose Ndong Tomo, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development of Equatorial Guinea; and many others from Uganda, Malawi, Ghana, Guinea, and Niger. This diverse ministerial presence is expected to enrich the discussions and foster new avenues for collaboration.
The three-day event, titled “Creating ONE Future,” will be held from August 20-22, 2024 in New Delhi, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, food processing, defence, digital partnership, financial partnership, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, power and energy, quality ecosystem, and skill capacity development. Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the conclave aims to address bilateral, trilateral, and regional issues, opening up new opportunities for collaboration.
About the Conclave
The Conclave will feature business conferences, exhibitions, and B2B meetings. For the first time, it will introduce product launches, reflecting the AAA approach of Indian business towards Africa – Affordable, Adaptable, and Appropriate. Since its inception, the Conclave has become a significant gathering of senior ministers, policymakers, and business leaders from both Africa and India, covering various sectors. Over the years, it has seen participation from over 10,000 African and 8,500 Indian delegates and hosted over 500 senior ministers, including heads of states from Africa.
Enhancing India-Africa Relations
India’s relationship with Equatorial Guinea (EG) is a prime example of how bilateral ties have been strengthened through strategic partnerships. The partnership is particularly strong in the oil and gas sector, with bilateral trade increasing from USD 11.54 million in 2010-11 to USD 898 million in 2021-22. Indian exports to EG include food products, cereals, meat, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and apparel, while imports mainly consist of oil, gas, and timber. EG has shown interest in Indian investments and technology transfer in ICT, SMEs, infrastructure, and agriculture. Moreover, India’s technical and economic cooperation with EG is evident through initiatives such as the ITEC program and the ICCR’s Africa Scholarship Scheme.
Malawi is another significant partner for India in Africa. In 2021, India donated 7 MTs of essential medicines worth USD 1.4 million for COVID-19. This donation is part of a broader collaboration to combat the pandemic, which includes e-ITEC short training online webinars on COVID-19 management strategies, benefitting Malawian medical professionals. Additionally, India donated 50,000 doses of COVID vaccines to Malawi in March 2021, and in 2023, India provided 165 tons of essential and anti-cancer medicines. These efforts underscore India’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s healthcare sector.
Uganda also benefits significantly from India’s support. In 2020, India donated 1 lakh HCQ tablets and 1 lakh Paracetamol tablets. India has also provided essential medicines, medical equipment, and COVID vaccines. The second phase of the Pan-Africa e-network project was launched by India in Uganda, enhancing educational and healthcare services through digital connectivity. Furthermore, a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and Uganda has been in effect since 2004, facilitating smoother economic exchanges.
As India and Africa continue to strengthen their ties, the Conclave serves as a crucial platform for fostering sustainable partnerships that contribute to the regional and global value chain integration, ultimately paving the way for a collaborative future.
