India is set to enhance its trade and investment relations with Africa, particularly through cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, defence, education, green energy, health, and digital partnerships, during the upcoming 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi later this month.
An official monitoring the preparations noted that India has consistently ranked among Africa’s top five trade and investment partners, emphasizing that the summit will focus on further strengthening these ties. While establishing a free trade agreement (FTA) with the African Union as a whole is not feasible due to the lack of a customs union, India may explore agreements with smaller groups of African nations, the official said.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, trade between India and Africa totaled $81.99 billion, with India exporting goods worth $42.6 billion to the continent. As part of its long-term engagement, India’s cumulative investment in Africa has reached approximately $80 billion from 1996 to 2025, covering diverse sectors including energy, mining, telecommunications, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
To further discuss bilateral trade enhancements, the Indian Commerce Secretary recently visited Tanzania and Kenya. The main summit is scheduled for May 31, attended by leaders from various African nations. Preceding this, senior officials will meet on May 28, followed by a Foreign Ministers meeting on May 29. A high-profile Big Cat Alliance meeting among notable African partners will take place the day after the summit, on June 1.
Published on May 9, 2026.
