India-Africa ties
New Delhi
India and the African Development Bank Group are expanding cooperation across key sectors as momentum builds for the India-Africa Forum Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi.
The growing partnership focuses on digital infrastructure, industrial development, and financial collaboration, aligning with the Bank Group’s strategic priorities known as the “Four Cardinal Points”. These emphasise improving access to capital, strengthening financial and digital systems, and accelerating industrialisation across African economies.
India, which joined the Bank Group in 1983, has consistently supported its capital increases, helping enhance its capacity to finance infrastructure, development projects, and economic recovery initiatives across member countries. This support has also translated into greater participation by Indian companies in Bank-funded projects.
Between 2020 and 2025, Indian firms secured 173 contracts worth around $760 million, accounting for 5.3 per cent of total procurement. This reflects growing private sector engagement and stronger project delivery capabilities.
Economic ties between India and Africa have also expanded significantly, with bilateral trade nearing $100 billion in 2024–25. Key sectors driving this growth include infrastructure, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology.
Digital public infrastructure has become a major pillar of cooperation. India contributed $2 million to the African Digital Financial Inclusion Facility in 2023 and signed a $6 million agreement under the India Trust Fund in 2024 to support digital payments and financial inclusion.
Healthcare and industrial development remain central, particularly efforts to boost pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce import dependence across Africa.
- India-AfDB deepen cooperation ahead summit
- Focus on digital, industrial, financial growth
- Trade nears $100 billion with Africa
- Indian firms win major AfDB contracts
- Emphasis on infrastructure and development projects