New Delhi and the African Development Bank expand cooperation in digital infrastructure, finance and industrial growth across the continent….reports India, Africa Newsdesk
India and the African Development Bank Group are strengthening cooperation in digital infrastructure, industrial development and finance as preparations intensify for the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit 2026.
The summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on May 31, is expected to serve as a major platform for deepening economic and strategic engagement between India and African nations.
The expanding partnership aligns with the African Development Bank Group’s strategic agenda under its “Four Cardinal Points”, which focus on widening access to capital, improving financial and digital systems, and accelerating industrial growth across Africa.
India, which joined the African Development Bank Group in 1983, has remained a consistent supporter of the institution and has contributed to all of its general capital increases over the years.
This support has helped strengthen the Bank’s capacity to finance infrastructure projects, development programmes and economic recovery efforts across member countries in Africa.
Economic engagement between India and African nations has grown rapidly in recent years, with bilateral trade approaching the $100 billion mark during 2024–25.
Sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and technology have emerged as major drivers of this expanding trade relationship.
Indian companies have also increased their participation in projects financed by the African Development Bank Group.
Between 2020 and 2025, Indian firms secured 173 contracts valued at nearly $760 million under Bank funded projects, accounting for 5.3 per cent of the institution’s total procurement activities.
The growing involvement of Indian companies has contributed to stronger project delivery capabilities while also creating wider opportunities for private sector collaboration.
Efforts to expand commercial and investment ties have also accelerated. In September 2024, a delegation led by African Development Bank Vice President Solomon Quaynor visited India to explore fresh investment opportunities and enhance cooperation in sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture and technology.
Digital public infrastructure has become a major area of collaboration between the two sides.
India contributed $2 million to the African Digital Financial Inclusion Facility in 2023 and later signed the third phase of the India Trust Fund agreement worth $6 million in 2024.
The initiatives are aimed at strengthening digital payment systems, improving interoperability frameworks and expanding financial inclusion across African economies.
Healthcare and industrial development have also emerged as key priorities in the partnership.
With Africa’s pharmaceutical sector projected to face an investment gap of nearly $111 billion by 2030, efforts are being stepped up to strengthen local manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imports.
Through initiatives such as the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation, the Bank Group is supporting technology transfer, supply chain development and capacity building across the continent.
