In the words of PM Modi, “Africa will remain at the center of our attention. Our partnership is not just about sharing resources but about sharing dreams and a vision for a brighter future.”
India-Africa Digital Partnership
Foundation of Mutual Respect-
South-South Cooperation– based on equality, non-conditionality, and mutual benefit.
Unlike the Chinese “Digital Silk Road”, India provides low-cost and interoperable solutions.
Africa views India as a partner in capacity building, not a neo-colonial actor. (Shashi Tharoor)
Co-development through Technology and Capacity Building-
Pan-African e-Network (2009)- Connects 48 African countries with India for tele-education and telemedicine.
India’s Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, and DigiLocker systems serve as models for Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030). Eg- Namibia – NPCI Pact for a UPI-like instant payment system
ITEC Program- Trains African professionals in e-governance, AI, fintech, and cybersecurity, promoting shared digital growth.
Long-term Institutional Partnerships-
India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) & Voice of Global South Summit (2023)- Institutionalize digital cooperation as a core agenda.
EXIM Bank LoCs & Tech Parks- Fund ICT hubs and innovation centers (e.g., Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania).
Start-up collaboration under Digital India-Digital Africa initiative, in agri-tech, e-health, fintech, and education.
Triangular cooperation with Japan under Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) supports digital infrastructure.
Education and Skilling – Eg- IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar (first overseas IIT)
The digital partnership reflects a new model of South-South cooperation for inclusive digital transformation