India’s Emerging Africa Strategy

In June 2026, India and South Africa elevated their 31-year-old Science and Technology (S&T) Partnership, originally established under the 1995 Science and Technology Agreement, from a framework focused mainly on research cooperation to one centred on industrial co-production, technology commercialization, and strategic economic collaboration. The partnership received additional momentum through a Telangana–South Africa collaboration framework, reflecting the expanding scope of India–Africa relations and their growing significance in promoting stability, innovation, and sustainable development in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The development also highlights India's broader shift in Africa from a traditional model based on development assistance and lines of credit toward economic integration, industrial cooperation, supply-chain resilience, and technology partnerships.

India–South Africa: A Next-Generation Technology Partnership

Transition from Research to Industrial Co-Production

India and South Africa are moving beyond conventional scientific cooperation and focusing on the practical application of technology through industrial co-production and commercialization. The new partnership seeks to transform scientific knowledge into market-ready products, strengthen manufacturing capabilities, and generate employment opportunities in both countries.

This shift reflects a broader understanding that innovation must contribute directly to economic growth, technological self-reliance, and social development.

Focus on Emerging Technologies

The partnership identifies Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and Advanced Manufacturing as the core pillars of future cooperation.

Both countries are also expanding collaboration into cutting-edge domains such as Quantum Technologies, Genomics, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Digital Innovation Ecosystems. Rather than limiting cooperation to academic research, the emphasis is now on developing scalable technologies capable of addressing real-world developmental challenges.

This approach combines India’s strengths in digital governance and affordable technological solutions with South Africa’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Cooperation in Green Energy and Biotechnology

A major priority of the partnership is the expansion of cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen technologies, and biotechnology.

India’s globally recognized expertise in affordable healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and vaccine manufacturing complements South Africa’s ambition to accelerate its green energy transition and strengthen public health infrastructure.

Joint initiatives in these sectors are expected to enhance energy security, healthcare accessibility, and sustainable industrial development.

Strengthening Space and Astronomy Collaboration

India and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project, one of the world's largest and most ambitious radio astronomy initiatives.

The project is expected to contribute significantly to advancements in high-performance computing, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and scientific capacity building. Cooperation in space science and astronomy is also helping both countries develop highly skilled human resources and advanced technological capabilities.

Technology for Social Development

Future projects under the partnership will be evaluated not only on scientific merit but also on their ability to generate employment opportunities, improve healthcare systems, strengthen digital inclusion, and promote sustainable development.

This reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that technological innovation delivers tangible benefits to society, particularly in developing countries facing similar developmental challenges.

Telangana–South Africa Collaboration

The signing of a direct collaboration framework between Telangana and South Africa represents a significant sub-national dimension of India–Africa relations.

Leveraging Hyderabad’s strengths in Information Technology, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), Defence Manufacturing, Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals, and Healthcare, the partnership seeks to promote deeper economic and technological cooperation.

Particular emphasis is being placed on medical tourism, vaccine and bulk-drug manufacturing, healthcare supply chains, agro-processing industries, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The framework also encourages South African participation in Telangana’s investment summits and industrial development initiatives.

India’s Evolving Economic Strategy in Africa

From Continental Agreements to Regional Partnerships

India has gradually shifted its approach from pursuing a continent-wide Free Trade Agreement to negotiating with regional economic blocs such as the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

This strategy enables India to engage more effectively with regional markets while facilitating easier movement of goods and services across member countries including Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa.

Regional engagement offers greater flexibility and allows India to respond more effectively to diverse economic conditions across Africa.

Protecting India’s Investment Interests

India has invested approximately USD 80 billion across Africa, making the continent one of its most important economic partners.

The current strategy focuses on protecting these investments through tailored economic agreements, encouraging greater participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and reducing vulnerabilities arising from political instability and economic uncertainty in certain regions.

This approach seeks to deepen long-term economic engagement while safeguarding Indian commercial interests.

Diversifying Fertilizer and Energy Supply Chains

To reduce dependence on traditional Gulf-based supply routes, India is strengthening partnerships with countries such as Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya.

These partnerships are expected to improve India's access to fertilizers, energy resources, and strategic commodities, thereby enhancing both agricultural security and energy security.

Supply chain diversification has become increasingly important in the context of global geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions.

Securing Critical Minerals for the Green Transition

A major element of India’s Africa strategy involves securing access to critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and other strategic resources essential for clean energy technologies.

These minerals are vital for the growth of India’s electric vehicle industry, battery manufacturing ecosystem, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

India is therefore integrating mineral partnerships into broader economic and strategic agreements while also encouraging local value addition and mineral processing within African countries.

Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

India increasingly views the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a significant opportunity for economic expansion.

AfCFTA represents a market of approximately 1.4 billion people with a combined economic size of nearly USD 3.4 trillion.

To maximize these opportunities, India is establishing manufacturing and processing hubs in strategic locations such as South Africa and Kenya, enabling easier access to markets across the African continent.

From Credit Assistance to Co-Production

Historically, India’s engagement with Africa relied heavily on Lines of Credit (LoCs), with over USD 12 billion extended across 42 African countries.

The current approach marks a clear transition toward industrial co-production, technology transfer, skill development, healthcare cooperation, and value-chain integration.

The India–South Africa partnership exemplifies this new model, which seeks to build long-term productive capacities rather than merely financing infrastructure projects.

Strengthening Cooperation through BRICS and Scientific Platforms

India has invited South Africa to actively participate in the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting scheduled in Chennai in August 2026.

The initiative aims to promote collaboration in areas such as high-performance computing, precision agriculture, digital technologies, and scientific research.

Additionally, South Africa has invited India to participate in the Science Forum South Africa 2026, creating another platform for knowledge exchange, innovation partnerships, and institutional collaboration across Africa.

Significance for India and Africa

The evolving India–South Africa partnership demonstrates how bilateral relations are increasingly being shaped by technology, innovation, industrial cooperation, and strategic autonomy rather than traditional aid-based models.

For India, Africa offers opportunities for market expansion, resource security, supply-chain diversification, and geopolitical influence. For African countries, India provides affordable technology, healthcare solutions, capacity building, and development-oriented partnerships.

The relationship also strengthens South–South Cooperation, promotes a more balanced global economic order, and enhances the collective voice of the Global South in international governance.

Geopolitical Significance of Deepening India–Africa Ties

Championing the Global South

India and African countries are increasingly emerging as influential voices of the Global South, advocating for a more equitable and representative international order. Through platforms such as BRICS, the G-20, and the African Union, both sides are pushing for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Bretton Woods Institutions, and the global climate finance architecture.

Their cooperation reflects a shared commitment to addressing historical inequalities in global governance and ensuring that developing countries receive a stronger voice in international decision-making processes.

Simultaneously, under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine, maritime cooperation with African nations has expanded significantly. Joint naval exercises, maritime domain awareness initiatives, and information-sharing through the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) have strengthened regional security and helped safeguard crucial sea lanes from piracy, terrorism, and illicit trafficking.

An Alternative to Debt-Driven Development Models

India’s engagement with Africa offers a distinctive development model based on the principles outlined in the Kampala Principles (2018). Unlike certain externally financed infrastructure initiatives that have been criticized for creating unsustainable debt burdens, India emphasizes demand-driven development, transparency, capacity building, and respect for national sovereignty.

This approach focuses on empowering local institutions, strengthening human capital, and supporting sustainable economic growth without compromising the financial independence of partner countries.

Contribution to Peace and Security

India’s long-standing commitment to peace and stability in Africa is reflected in its active participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.

More than 5,000 Indian peacekeepers continue to serve in conflict-affected regions such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These deployments reinforce India's reputation as a net security provider and demonstrate its commitment to maintaining peace, protecting civilians, and supporting post-conflict reconstruction.

Such contributions have significantly enhanced India’s diplomatic credibility across Africa.

Expanding Diplomatic Presence

India has substantially expanded its diplomatic footprint in Africa by opening 17 new diplomatic missions, increasing the total number of Indian missions on the continent to 46.

This expansion has strengthened India’s ability to engage directly with African governments, respond to crises more effectively, promote economic partnerships, and gather region-specific strategic insights.

A broader diplomatic presence also facilitates greater people-to-people engagement and enhances India's long-term influence across the continent.

Revitalising the India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)

The proposed India–Africa Forum Summit-IV (IAFS-IV) represents an important opportunity to redefine and deepen India–Africa relations.

The summit can provide a comprehensive roadmap for future cooperation by institutionalizing regular political dialogue and transforming bilateral engagements into long-term strategic partnerships.

By aligning priorities with Africa's developmental aspirations, particularly the African Union’s Agenda 2063, IAFS-IV can become a cornerstone of future India–Africa cooperation.

Major Structural Challenges in India–Africa Relations

Implementation Deficits in Development Projects

One of the most persistent challenges in India–Africa relations is the delay in implementing development projects funded through India's Lines of Credit (LoCs).

Parliamentary committees have repeatedly highlighted bureaucratic bottlenecks, procedural delays, and slow disbursement of funds. Such inefficiencies undermine the effectiveness of developmental assistance and may weaken confidence among African partners.

Addressing implementation gaps remains essential for maintaining India’s credibility as a development partner.

Competition from China

India faces intense competition from China, whose engagement with Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) operates on a much larger financial scale.

Chinese investments often benefit from extensive state support and financing, enabling the execution of large infrastructure projects across the continent.

In contrast, Indian private enterprises frequently struggle to compete with heavily subsidized Chinese firms, creating challenges in expanding India's economic presence.

Political Instability and Security Risks

Many African regions continue to experience political instability, military coups, insurgencies, and governance challenges.

The Sahel region and parts of West Africa have witnessed increasing security concerns that create uncertainty for investors and businesses. Such instability discourages long-term investment and complicates the implementation of development projects.

Maintaining economic engagement in these environments requires careful risk management and diplomatic engagement.

Trade and Connectivity Constraints

Despite growing trade volumes, several structural barriers continue to limit economic cooperation.

Complex regulatory frameworks, varying standards across 54 African nations, non-tariff barriers, and restrictive phytosanitary measures often increase transaction costs for businesses.

Furthermore, inadequate direct air and maritime connectivity between India and Africa raises logistical costs and slows economic integration.

Improving connectivity remains essential for unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade and investment.

Security of the Indian Diaspora

Africa is home to nearly three million people of Indian origin, many of whom play a significant role in local economies.

However, economic difficulties and social tensions in certain countries occasionally result in xenophobic incidents and violence targeting foreign communities. Protecting the safety and interests of the Indian diaspora therefore remains an important aspect of India’s engagement with Africa.

Effective consular support and diplomatic intervention are crucial in addressing such challenges.

Limitations of Paradiplomacy

Increasingly, Indian states such as Telangana are pursuing international economic partnerships to attract investment and promote trade.

However, under Entry 10 of the Union List (Seventh Schedule) of the Constitution, foreign affairs remain exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Union Government.

This constitutional arrangement can sometimes create coordination challenges, requiring state governments to obtain approvals and align their initiatives with national foreign policy objectives.

Measures to Strengthen India–Africa Relations

Institutionalising Regular Summits

The timely convening of IAFS-IV is essential for revitalising India–Africa engagement.

The summit should develop a post-pandemic roadmap focused on technology, innovation, healthcare, sustainability, and economic integration while aligning with Agenda 2063 and the priorities of African nations.

Regular high-level interactions can provide strategic direction and ensure continuity in cooperation.

Establishing Sector-Specific Task Forces

India and African countries should establish dedicated Joint Working Groups (JWGs) in critical sectors such as critical minerals, renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

For example, a Joint Working Group on critical minerals could help secure access to lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements necessary for India's clean energy transition and semiconductor ambitions.

Strengthening Paradiplomatic Frameworks

The Ministry of External Affairs should develop streamlined guidelines that enable Indian states to engage more effectively in international economic diplomacy while ensuring alignment with national interests.

This would facilitate smoother implementation of investment agreements and encourage greater participation by state governments in global economic initiatives.

Promoting Private Sector Participation

Indian businesses must move beyond an export-oriented approach and establish manufacturing and processing facilities within Africa.

Leveraging the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can help Indian firms integrate into regional value chains and strengthen their long-term presence across African markets.

Such investments would contribute to industrialisation and employment generation in Africa while creating new opportunities for Indian enterprises.

Expanding Defence and Security Cooperation

India can deepen defence engagement with African countries by expanding training programmes, sharing expertise in counter-terrorism, strengthening cybersecurity cooperation, and supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.

Such initiatives would contribute to regional stability while enhancing India's strategic influence.

Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

India’s success in building scalable digital platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, and other components of the India Stack provides an opportunity to support digital transformation across Africa.

Exporting Digital Public Infrastructure can improve financial inclusion, public service delivery, governance efficiency, and digital connectivity, thereby enhancing India's soft power and strengthening its role as a technological partner of the Global South.

Conclusion

India–Africa relations are undergoing a significant transformation from a model based primarily on development assistance and credit support to one focused on technology partnerships, industrial co-production, supply-chain resilience, and economic integration.

By deepening cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, defence, and innovation, both India and Africa are creating a partnership rooted in mutual growth and shared prosperity.