India-Africa Trade Crosses $100 Billion, Says Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh on Wednesday announced that India-Africa trade has surpassed the $100 billion mark, positioning New Delhi among the top five investors in the continent.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, Singh highlighted India’s growing economic engagement with Africa.

He noted that India has invested more than $75 billion between 1996 and 2024, making it one of Africa’s largest and most reliable partners.

Singh said India has extended over $12 billion in concessional loans and $700 million in grant assistance for projects across Africa. He added that India has also offered 50,000 scholarships to African youth, with more than 42,000 already utilized.

“This year’s theme is different as we have moved from project and growth partnerships to the spirit of ‘Co-creating a Shared Future’, which reflects the sentiment of this remarkable journey,” the minister said.

Africa in India’s Diplomacy

Emphasising Africa’s importance in India’s foreign policy, Singh recalled that India, during its G20 presidency, secured permanent membership for the African Union.

“We put emphasis on Africa’s rightful place at the global high table,” he stressed.

He also underlined India’s humanitarian role, recalling relief operations in Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius and other African nations.

Singh invited African nations to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to strengthen cooperation in climate action and clean energy.

“India and Africa are shaping a strong partnership to co-create a shared future, built on mutual trust and collaborative efforts,” Singh concluded.

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