In June 2023, as the chair of the G20, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, marking a pivotal moment for Africa on the global stage. The G20, an influential group of the world’s 19 most powerful economies, along with the European Union, previously included only South Africa as a permanent African representative.
Modi’s advocacy for the AU’s inclusion, which represents 55 African member states, is regarded by many observers focused on the Global South as one of the most forward-thinking initiatives by a non-African head of state. This move has elevated India’s role as a significant partner to the African continent.
The strengthening of relations between India and Africa continues with the state visit of Indian President Droupadi Murmu to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi. The visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening political and economic ties with African nations, following Modi’s successful push for the AU’s inclusion in the G20.
With global powers often exploiting Africa’s rich mineral resources with limited local development, President Murmu emphasized the need for partnerships that prioritize Africa’s growth. She highlighted that investments in the continent should drive regional integration, industrialization, economic diversification, and sustainability, rather than just benefiting external investors.
Africa’s booming youth population, expanding middle class, and digital transformation present vast opportunities for collaboration, particularly through public-private partnerships between Indian companies and African governments. These partnerships, Murmu suggests, can lead to accelerated economic growth for both regions.
India, with its population of over 1.4 billion, has risen as a global economic powerhouse, particularly in sectors such as FinTech and mining. Murmu’s visits aim to open new avenues for bilateral trade agreements, emphasizing the need for transparency, inclusion, and collaboration as key to a successful India-Africa relationship.
India’s growing influence in Africa, alongside the AU’s new seat at the G20, signals a new era of partnership, rooted in mutual benefit and shared progress.