• Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want” is the African Union’s 50-year strategic blueprint (2013–2063) to transform Africa into an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent, driven by its own citizens.
• It reflects a decisive shift from Africa’s historical focus on decolonisation and political freedom to inclusive economic growth, regional integration, democratic governance, peace, and self-reliance.
• Core priorities include industrialisation, infrastructure development, value addition in resources, youth empowerment, gender equality, and climate resilience.
• This evolving African self-definition provides the context in which India’s engagement with Africa is transitioning from aid-led solidarity to strategic, investment-oriented partnership, aligned with Africa’s development aspirations.

Evolution of India–Africa Relations

Historical and Civilisational Phase

• Ancient Indian Ocean trade connected Indian merchants with African kingdoms through spices, textiles, and precious stones.
• The Indian diaspora in East and Southern Africa strengthened cultural and commercial ties.
• Shared colonial experiences fostered political solidarity, with Mahatma Gandhi influencing African freedom movements, including Nelson Mandela.

Post-Independence Phase (1947–1990)

• India actively supported African liberation struggles and opposed apartheid at the United Nations.
• India and African nations were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, advocating strategic autonomy.
• Capacity building began through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, laying long-term institutional foundations.

Post-Cold War Pragmatic Phase

• Shift from ideological solidarity to development cooperation and economic engagement.
• Expansion of concessional Lines of Credit for infrastructure, agriculture, and energy projects.
• Launch of the Pan-African e-Network Project, providing telemedicine and tele-education across Africa.

Contemporary Strategic Phase (2008–Present)

• Institutionalisation of engagement through the India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS).
• Expansion into trade, security, digital cooperation, peacekeeping, and counter-terrorism.
• India’s role in securing African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 (2023) strengthened Africa’s global voice and India’s Global South leadership.

Strategic Significance of Africa in India’s Foreign Policy

Maritime and Security Importance

• Africa’s location in the Indian Ocean Region is critical for India’s sea lanes and trade security.
• Establishment of India’s first overseas naval facility in Mauritius (2024) under the “Necklace of Diamonds” approach.
• Defence cooperation through training, defence attachés, and the India–Africa Army Chiefs Conclave.

Economic and Trade Opportunities

• Africa’s demographic dividend and AfCFTA create vast markets for Indian pharmaceuticals, automobiles, IT services, and manufacturing.
• India–Africa trade has crossed USD 100 billion, with a target of USD 200 billion by 2030.
• Indian investments nearing USD 80 billion, expected to double in the coming decade.

Critical Minerals and Energy Security

• Africa is central to supplies of cobalt, manganese, copper, essential for EVs and clean energy.
• The Democratic Republic of Congo dominates global cobalt supply.
• African oil producers like Nigeria and Angola support India’s energy diversification.

Development Partnership and Capacity Building

• Over USD 12 billion in Indian Lines of Credit across more than 40 African countries.
• Education and skills cooperation through ITEC and institutions like IIT Madras Zanzibar campus.
• Alignment with Agenda 2063 goals of human capital development.

Global Governance and Diplomacy

• India–Africa convergence at WTO on vaccine IP waivers and development-centric reforms.
• Strengthens India’s image as a representative voice of the Global South.

Technology and Innovation Collaboration

• Indian IT firms supporting African fintech, e-governance, and smart city projects.
• India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance, with large solar commitments in Africa.

Key Challenges in India–Africa Cooperation

• Diplomatic inertia, reflected in gaps between India–Africa Forum Summits.
• Security instability, including coups, conflicts, and terrorism deterring investment.
• Infrastructure deficits limiting intra-African and India–Africa value chains.
• Debt stress and financial constraints in African economies.
• Intense multipolar competition, especially from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Regulatory fragmentation in healthcare, trade, and investment norms.

Measures to Deepen India–Africa Partnership

• Institutionalise annual India–Africa strategic dialogue with outcome tracking.
• Shift decisively to investment-led trade and local value addition.
• Co-finance infrastructure corridors through PPP and blended finance models.
• Secure long-term partnerships for critical minerals and clean energy.
• Expand cooperation on digital public infrastructure (India Stack model).
• Strengthen maritime security and counter-terrorism within African-led frameworks.
• Align development projects with Agenda 2063 priorities and measurable outcomes.

Conclusion

Agenda 2063 reflects Africa’s determination to chart its own development path. India’s evolving engagement, if aligned with this vision, positions it as a trusted, long-term strategic partner rather than a transactional actor. Consistent political engagement, investment-driven cooperation, and people-centric outcomes will determine whether India can translate historical goodwill into sustained strategic influence in Africa.