Bonhomie and usual pleasantries apart, the three day 14th India Africa Summit being held in New Delhi, India’s capital city under the aegis of CII and EXIM Bank of India has set some trade and economic targets and listed how they can be achieved. It has the sprinkling of participation from all segments -high ranking policy makers, representatives of private sector, governmental catalytic agencies etc from both regions. The inaugural session held on 17th March evening has set the agenda and direction for the ensuing discussions which would be mostly centered around what India could offer to the continent, that is terribly short of capital to invest, job opportunities, the right technology and many other vital factors to take Africa to the next level of development.
Setting the tone of the discussion, India’s Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu tossed over the concept of a free trade between India and Africa, may be perhaps for the first time such an idea was mooted. He offered India’s expertise to be a partner in progress to help Africa in sectors like agriculture, food processing, industrial growth, ICT sector, logistics, skilling, education and importantly, Institution building. India’s EXIM Bank has prepared a blueprint for the development of Africa based on the potentials of each country. The ongoing dialogue can be an integral part of the South-South Cooperation. He also underscored the common stand both regions should take to protect their interests in the global trading platform –WTO- which usually gets swayed by the vested interests of certain developed countries.
Dr Mahmudu Bawumia , Vice President , Republic of Ghana needed India’s help to value add to its exports, which are present mainly in the form of raw materials and primary goods. That would create more employment opportunities. Some of the path-breaking initiatives of Ghana, such as the introduction of the Unique Identification Number for its citizens, application of IT in the justice delivery system ( e-justice), efforts it is making to deliver medicines and health services to people staying in far-flung areas through drones, were explained. India’s help was sought for the digitization of its economy, that is being undertaken on a priority basis
The Republic of Guinea was represented by its Prime Minister Dr Ibrahima Kassory Fofana, who pitched for India’s cooperation in areas including manufacturing, small and medium scale industries, Agri processing, skill development etc. There can be meaningful tie-ups between the two regions in the energy sector, for using green technologies, particularly in the solar and wind sectors.
Deputy Prime Minister, Kingdom of Lesotho Mr. Monyane Moleleki , had a word of praise for India’s fast development and underscored the need for two regions coming together in addressing climate change, facilitating innovation, promoting agro Industries.
Over 500 delegates from both regions are participating in the summit.
