Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has urged enhanced collaboration between India and Africa to foster prosperity, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
In his address on behalf of the Sector Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, at the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, themed “Co-Creating a Shared Future,” Sampson Ahi emphasized that the relationship between India and Africa should evolve beyond traditional donor-beneficiary dynamics to one based on co-investment, co-innovation, and co-creation.
He pointed out that both regions are home to some of the youngest populations and fastest-growing economies globally, facing similar challenges such as rapid urbanization, job creation, infrastructure development, and climate change.
He stated that these common challenges provide a fertile ground for collaboration, especially in the transformative sectors of mobility and energy.
In outlining the four pillars of this renewed partnership, the Deputy Minister underscored:
1. Collaborative Models for EV Manufacturing:
He suggested a model that integrates India’s expertise in software, battery management, and small EV platforms with Africa’s abundant mineral resources to establish local electric vehicle ecosystems. He explained that this approach would not only decrease dependence on imports but also generate jobs, technical training centers, and ancillary industries throughout the continent.
He suggested a model that integrates India’s expertise in software, battery management, and small EV platforms with Africa’s abundant mineral resources to establish local electric vehicle ecosystems. He explained that this approach would not only decrease dependence on imports but also generate jobs, technical training centers, and ancillary industries throughout the continent.
2. Affordable Transport Innovations:
Leveraging India’s successful low-cost transport solutions, Sampson Ahi proposed adapting ultra-affordable vehicles, such as next-generation electric three-wheelers, to cater to Africa’s specific needs. He highlighted that such vehicles could alleviate congestion, endure rugged terrains, transport heavy loads, and function as mobile marketplaces for communities.
Leveraging India’s successful low-cost transport solutions, Sampson Ahi proposed adapting ultra-affordable vehicles, such as next-generation electric three-wheelers, to cater to Africa’s specific needs. He highlighted that such vehicles could alleviate congestion, endure rugged terrains, transport heavy loads, and function as mobile marketplaces for communities.
3. Sustainable Fuel Adoption:
He emphasized the promise of biofuels, advocating for collaboration between India and Africa to emulate India’s ethanol production model derived from agricultural waste. He stated that this strategy would enhance farmer incomes, lessen reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly reduce carbon emissions, providing economic, agricultural, and environmental advantages.
He emphasized the promise of biofuels, advocating for collaboration between India and Africa to emulate India’s ethanol production model derived from agricultural waste. He stated that this strategy would enhance farmer incomes, lessen reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly reduce carbon emissions, providing economic, agricultural, and environmental advantages.
Sampson Ahi wrapped up by urging attendees to progress beyond mere discussions and establish tangible partnerships that will expedite development on both fronts.
