Lok Sabha Question No. 2166 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Strategic Partnership with Africa
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2166

ANSWERED ON -  01/08/2025

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH AFRICA

2166. SMT. SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to align India's Africa engagement strategy  with   the   goals   of   the   African   Continental   Free   Trade   Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 and if so, the key areas identified for longterm collaboration;

(b)   the   extent   to   which   India's   bilateral   or   trilateral   cooperation frameworks with African countries support regional trade integration, connectivity   infrastructure   and   transport   corridor   development   in alignment with AfCFTA objectives;

(c)   whether   India   is   providing   targeted   support   in   agricultural   value chains, including agri-tech and climate-resilient practices, especially for smallholder farmers across Africa and the manner in which this aligns

with   India's   development   cooperation   programmes   such   as   ITEC   or LOCs; and

(d)   the   steps   taken   or   proposed   to   strengthen   India's   trade   and investment footprint in Africa's emerging manufacturing, digital economy and energy sectors, particularly in nations where India is among the top three trading partners?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) India's partnership with Africa is based on the needs and priorities of the African countries. In this regard, alignment with AfCFTA and Agenda 2063 is essential for our bilateral engagements with African countries. The   key   areas   identified   for   long   term   collaboration   are   Energy, Agriculture,   Healthcare,   Infrastructure,   Capacity   Building   and   Digital Public Infrastructure.

(b) India's development partnership initiatives in Africa especially in the field of infrastructure include projects in varied sectors such as power, hydroelectricity,   transmission   &   distribution   networks,   dams,   roads, railways, agriculture & irrigation, industrial units, skills development,

civil construction, defence, etc. This has contributed to African efforts to support regional trade facilitation by improving connectivity through infrastructure development.

(c) The Government has undertaken a number of development projects in Agriculture Sector through supply of Agri-machinery and equipments for setting   up   of   Food   Processing   Industries,   commissioning   irrigation projects, increasing agricultural productivity through soil conditioning, farm mechanisation and fertiliser support.

(d) India will continue to collaborate with African countries in areas such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare infrastructure, education and vocational training,   skill   development,   critical   minerals,   agriculture   and   allied sectors,   digital   public   infrastructure   and   energy   sector   through increased interaction between Indian Industry and Africa to facilitate project and business opportunities.

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