By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Manish Gupta, has emphasised the African Continental Free Trade Area’s (AfCFTA) significance in fostering deeper economic ties between Africa and India.
Speaking at India’s 76th Republic Day celebration at the Indian High Commission in Accra, which also marks 75 years since enactment of India’s Constitution, Mr. Gupta noted that AfCFTA holds immense potential for both Africa and India.
By reducing barriers to trade, AfCFTA will not only open up new markets for Indian businesses in Africa but also create opportunities for Africa to harness India’s expertise in sectors like pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
Mr. Manish Gupta stated: “Trade and investment relations between India and Africa have a long history dating back to the pre-colonial era and has since increased significantly. Today, the Indian and African continental economies are nearly of the same size.
“Indian investments in Africa have grown exponentially. During the last decade, India has become the second-largest trading partner of Africa and is among the leading investors in Africa. Now, Indian investments cover as wide swathe of Africa supported by strong People-to-People linkages.
“There are extensive complementarities, too. Africa’s minerals, oil and gas potential, rare-earths could power the Indian economy. On the other hand, India has developed strong capacities in the manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, SMEs, tech and services sectors. These can be effectively leveraged to carve out win-win outcomes. The AfCFTA holds immense potential for Africa and India.”
The Indian High Commissioner also highlighted historical, cultural, and political ties that bind India and Africa, reaffirming that the two regions – which together account for a third of humanity – share deep-rooted relations.
Potential of young demographics
He pointed out that India’s economic growth – among the world’s fastest in recent years – is a testament to the potential of young demographics, education and technology, factors that resonate deeply with many African nations.
He added that India’s progress in digital public infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, space applications and agritech offers valuable lessons for sub-Saharan Africa.
“Given the socio-economic similarities, experiences in India’s development journey will have strong resonance in sub-Saharan Africa. India’s rapid advances in digitial public infrastructure, pharmaceuticals , renewable energy, agriculture, SMEs, space applications of tech are pertinent to the developing world,” he stated.
Mr. Gupta also noted: “During India’s G20 Presidency, India’s priority was to make the G20 ‘inclusive and human-centric’. We believe that without advancement of the Global South we are not going to see planetary progress. The simple principle that must guide global governance, global conversations is a conviction that no one should be left behind”.
“India’s relationship with Africa is not only based on trade but also shared aspirations for progress and prosperity,” he remarked.
Bilaterial relations with Ghana
The High Commissioner’s speech also highlighted recent bilateral initiatives between Ghana and India, including India’s largest development partnership project in Ghana – the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line which was commissioned in November 2024.
This project, with financing from the Indian EXIM Bank, is expected to revolutionise transportation in Ghana, facilitating greater trade and connectivity.
Other significant initiatives include the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, which has trained over 50,000 personnel, and the Jubilee House and Foreign Services Institute projects.
Mr. Gupta further praised the thriving people-to-people linkages between Ghana and India, citing the growing Indian diaspora in Ghana which now numbers around 15,000 individuals.
Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku, who was the guest speaker, highlighted the strong diplomatic relations between Ghana and India, reiterating the importance of continued collaboration – particularly in the areas of trade, agriculture, education and small- and medium-sized industries.
Mr. Eric Opoku also acknowledged the critical role that India has played in Ghana’s socio-economic development. He mentioned key Indian-funded projects, including the Komenda Sugar Plant, Elmina Fish Processing Plant and Foreign Service Training Institute, all of which have contributed significantly to the nation’s infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives.
“The cooperation between Ghana and India has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development,” he said.
He reflected on the historic diplomatic ties between the two countries, which date back to the 1950s when Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, laid the foundation for bilateral cooperation.
The minister concluded by expressing his gratitude for India’s continued support and extending an invitation for even closer ties in the future.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, diplomats and members of the Indian and Ghanaian communities, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations.
