Story by Abigirl Tembo
VICE President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has officially opened the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, calling for a shift from resource extraction towards value addition, industrialisation, and joint ventures as Africa and India strengthen South-South cooperation.
Held under the theme “Synergies Towards Co-creating a Shared Future,” the three-day conclave has brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from both regions to explore opportunities in trade, renewable energy, mining, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.
Addressing delegates as the guest of honour, Vice President Chiwenga emphasised the importance of moving from promises to practical partnerships that would transform economies across Africa and India.
“We gather here not as former colonies seeking aid, but as equal partners building opportunities for progress and prosperity. The 20th India-Africa Business Conclave reflects a union of ambition, technology, and trust between two dynamic regions of the Global South. Africa offers more than resources, we bring markets, talent, and innovation. By 2050, our continent will drive unprecedented demand and industrialisation, while India pursues its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Zimbabwe is ready, Africa is ready. Together with India, we can write the next great chapter of South-South cooperation, demonstrating to the world that partnerships among developing nations can drive innovation, build industries, and create a more equitable global economy,” he said.
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed that trade and investment between India and Africa have grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a deepening economic partnership.
“India is committed to supporting Africa’s energy transition through clean energy technologies and partnerships under the International Solar Alliance. Bilateral trade has grown significantly, making India one of Africa’s top five investors, while initiatives like the duty-free tariff scheme continue to open Indian markets to African nations. Both regions are working to strengthen their partnership based on mutual trust and shared growth.”
President of the Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr Rajiv Memani added his voice, saying the conclave comes at a critical time when India is ramping up manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, including electric vehicles and defence.
“India is accelerating reforms in manufacturing electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence, creating new opportunities for collaboration with Africa. Partnerships in mining, energy, and emerging technologies will be strategically important for both regions and are expected to shape a stronger shared future.”
Day one of the 20th India Africa Business Conclave set the tone for stronger trade and investment ties, as Africa’s vast markets align with India’s growing industrial power to forge partnerships that turn vision into shared prosperity.
