India–Africa Forum Summit to Deepen Trade Ties and Unlock New Investment Opportunities
The upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit is expected to revitalise economic cooperation between Africa and India, with a strong focus on trade, investment and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Anil Sooklal said the platform presents a strategic opportunity to deepen long-standing ties and unlock new partnerships across key sectors.
“The summit is to see how relations between the African continent and India can be intensified, expanded and maximised,” he said.
The IAFS, traditionally held every four years, was last convened in 2015, making the upcoming gathering particularly significant as both regions seek to accelerate post-pandemic recovery and economic growth.
Sooklal highlighted pharmaceuticals as a priority area, noting India’s global leadership in medicine production. He said collaboration could support Africa’s ambition to build local manufacturing capacity, particularly following the African Union’s designation of South Africa as a continental pharmaceutical hub.
India’s advancements in medical technology and supply systems, he added, position it as a valuable partner in strengthening Africa’s healthcare sector.
Energy cooperation is also expected to feature prominently. Sooklal pointed to India’s leadership in renewable energy initiatives, including its co-founding role in the International Solar Alliance, as an area where collaboration with African countries could accelerate transitions to clean energy.
“There is a natural alignment between what India is doing in solar, wind and green hydrogen and the priorities of the African continent,” he said.
On the industrial front, Indian automotive giant Mahindra & Mahindra is reportedly exploring expanded manufacturing operations in South Africa, signalling growing investor confidence and the potential for job creation.
Sooklal further noted that both India and Africa are advancing in digital transformation, with India’s digital public infrastructure offering a model for inclusive growth. He said similar systems could support Africa’s development ambitions under Agenda 2063.
Agriculture and infrastructure development are also expected to dominate discussions. Despite possessing vast arable land, Africa remains food insecure, while India has achieved food self-sufficiency. Sooklal suggested partnerships in agro-processing and modern farming techniques could help bridge this gap.
“There is significant synergy in infrastructure development as well, from transport networks to digital systems. Indian companies are already active across the continent, and there is room to scale up these partnerships,” he said.
Education will form another key pillar of cooperation, with India expected to expand scholarship opportunities for African students, further strengthening people-to-people ties.
Sooklal expressed confidence that the summit would attract strong participation and deliver tangible outcomes, reinforcing India–Africa relations as a cornerstone of South–South cooperation.
