By Isaac Okoro
Accra, Ghana – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used his landmark visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian leader in three decades, to outline ambitious plans for enhanced cooperation between India and Africa. Addressing Ghana’s Parliament on Thursday, Modi underscored India’s commitment to becoming a key partner in Africa’s development, as New Delhi intensifies its efforts to solidify its economic and political presence on the continent.
Modi highlighted the recent opening of a major rail project in Ghana, financed by the India Export-Import Bank, as a prime example of India’s commitment to infrastructure development in Africa. He further emphasized India’s expanding diplomatic, development, and business footprint across the continent.
“Over 200 projects across the continent enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and industrial capacity,” Modi stated. He also welcomed the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Ghana follows a trip to Nigeria in November 2024, where he discussed trade and security matters, signaling India’s growing interest in investing in various Nigerian industries.
While acknowledging China’s current dominance as the leading infrastructure backer in Africa, Modi made a strong case for a greater global role for both India and Africa. He warned that “the world order created after the Second World War is changing fast.”
During a meeting on Wednesday, Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama agreed to strengthen cooperation in security and mining, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.
Advocating for the Global South
Modi lauded the African Union’s recent admission as a permanent member of the G20, attributing it to India’s efforts during its rotating presidency. He stressed that progress on global challenges, including climate change, diplomacy, “terrorism,” and pandemics, “cannot come without giving voice to the Global South.”
India, the world’s most populous country, sees itself as a committed partner in Africa’s development journey, aspiring to become a “developed nation by 2047.”
Resource-rich Ghana is the first stop in Modi’s multi-nation tour, which includes other African, Caribbean, and South American countries. The visit precedes his attendance at the BRICS summit in Brazil, scheduled for Sunday and Monday.
Modi’s renewed focus on Africa reflects India’s ambition to play a more prominent role on the global stage and to strengthen its economic and political partnerships with the continent. This comes at a time when the US and other Western powers are scaling back aid programs, creating an opportunity for India to deepen its influence.
Meanwhile, the high-profile visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the West African region has significantly elevated the profile of the nascent India-West Africa Business Coalition (IWABC), underscoring a shared commitment to dramatically expand trade and investment ties between the two regions. The ambitious initiative is set to be spearheaded by Liberian-born Indian national, Rohit Suji.
The Prime Minister’s engagement, part of India’s broader ‘Look West Africa’ policy, signals a strong political endorsement for forging deeper economic partnerships. The IWABC is envisioned as a pivotal platform to streamline and accelerate business engagement, identifying key sectors for collaboration and facilitating cross-border investment.
At its helm will be Rohit Suji, whose unique background as a West African -Liberian-born Indian national positions him ideally to bridge cultural and commercial divides between the two dynamic regions. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in navigating the complexities of both markets and fostering trust among potential partners.
The coalition aims to unlock significant opportunities across diverse sectors including agriculture, infrastructure development, energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. By fostering a more conducive environment for trade and investment, the IWABC is expected to drive job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth in both India and West African nations.
This strategic push is aligned with India’s increasing focus on strengthening South-South cooperation and expanding its economic footprint in key developing regions. For West African nations, the coalition offers a powerful avenue to attract Indian capital, technology, and expertise, contributing to their national development agendas.
The spotlight shone by Prime Minister Modi’s visit, combined with the strategic leadership of Rohit Suji, marks a new chapter in India-West Africa relations. It sets the stage for a robust and mutually beneficial economic partnership that could redefine the global south’s collaborative landscape.
