India flips Africa trade game
India has moved to help Africa turn its mineral resources into industrial growth and shared prosperity, a report said on Friday. At the 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave, Indian officials stressed partnerships that prioritize African ownership of critical minerals.
Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that India’s strategy focuses on local industry and job creation, rather than just resource extraction. India offers African exports preferential access through its Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme. Mude called for more joint ventures, local processing plants, and manufacturing ties to build lasting value. He said cooperation on policy, skills, and industry can create a sustainable future.
India ranks as the fifth-largest investor in Africa, with over 80 billion dollars in commitments across mining, manufacturing, services, and value-added sectors. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged both sides to double trade by 2030, targeting value addition, technology-based farming, clean energy, and healthcare. South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Gwede Mantashe, noted that nations like his lose jobs and revenue because global supply chains remain concentrated, while infrastructure and processing investment remain weak.
