India Prioritizes Development in Africa Over Resource Extraction

Why in the news?

At the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum, EAM S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s development-focused approach in Africa, emphasizing capacity-building, infrastructure investment, and technology transfer over resource extraction, with USD 100 billion trade and USD 12 billion investment in key sectors.

India Prioritizes Development in Africa Over Resource Extraction

India’s Commitment to Africa’s Growth:

  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s focus on capacity-building, skill development, and technology transfer in Africa rather than extractive models.
  • Speaking at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum, he emphasized India’s long-term, sustainable partnerships with Africa.
  • Bilateral trade between India and Africa has reached nearly USD 100 billion, with infrastructure and connectivity projects worth over USD 12 billion.

Expanding Economic & Strategic Partnerships

  • India is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, actively investing in sectors like railways, power, agriculture, and water supply.
  • Over 200 infrastructure projects have been completed, creating local employment and enhancing living standards in Africa.
  • India and Japan share a common vision for engaging with Africa based on democratic values, freedom, and the rule of law.
  • Collaboration extends to infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and education, with India-Japan cooperation further strengthened within QUAD.

Global South & Future Collaborations

  • Jaishankar stressed the importance of amplifying the voice of emerging economies in global decision-making.
  • India played a key role in securing the African Union’s permanent G20 membership.
  • Initiatives like FIPIC, the India-Africa Forum Summit, and high-impact development projects support Africa’s growth.
  • E-learning & telemedicine programs (e-VidyaBharti, e-ArogyaBharti) have benefited students from 19 African countries.
  • India, Japan, and Africa’s combined strengths in investment, industry, and digital capabilities can drive sustainable and inclusive development.