By: Kassahun Chanie
A monumental 50-year roadmap designed to propel Africa and India into an era of unparalleled shared growth and security was officially unveiled today at a high-profile event hosted by the Embassy of India. Titled "The Africa-India Blueprint for Growth," the comprehensive report, co-published by New Delhi's Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), outlines a phased implementation plan divided into five ten-year strategic intervals.
Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, speaking from the Embassy premises, highlighted India’s deep-seated commitment to the African continent, underscoring that the blueprint represents a long-term vision far beyond immediate political cycles. "This agenda is a 50-year plan, meticulously divided into five time categories, each consisting of a ten-year implementation strategy," Ambassador Rai disclosed. He further emphasized India's significant diplomatic presence, noting the expansion of 24 diplomatic missions across Africa as a tangible demonstration of this enduring dedication. India currently maintains resident missions in all Horn of Africa countries, with temporary relocation of operations in Somalia to Kenya, illustrating a strategic approach to regional engagement.
The report projects India’s economy to become the third largest globally by 2027, a development that, according to Ambassador Rai, will significantly encourage continued investment and partnership across the African continent. The Indian Exim Bank, a key financial institution, plays a crucial role by funding both government and private sector projects, with a strong prioritization for bankable ventures. India’s investment strategy in Africa, as detailed in the blueprint, centers on respecting national sovereignty, fostering capacity building within African nations, and making targeted sectoral investments that align with developmental priorities.
Ethiopian Minister for Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD), who also addressed the launch ceremony on February 9, 2026, hailed the report as a new dawn for bilateral cooperation. She lauded the "Launch of the Africa-India Growth Initiative report" as marking a "new phase of cooperation between the two regions."
Minister Ergogie referenced Prime Minister Modi's emphasis during his December visit on an "equal partnership, collective action, and inclusive cooperation" between Ethiopia and India. This signifies a fundamental shift in the India-Africa model, moving towards data-driven, evidence-based cooperation that prioritizes local agency and long-term resilience.
The blueprint specifically outlines a strategic Indo-Ethiopian partnership for digital and agricultural transformation. This ambitious collaboration aims to expand beyond traditional agricultural practices into precision agriculture, leveraging India’s advanced expertise in climate-resilient seeds, AI-driven soil analysis, and satellite crop monitoring. The overarching goals are to significantly boost food security and drastically reduce post-harvest losses, critical for sustainable development. Furthermore, the report details an evolving India-Africa Tech and Security Collaboration, extending to inclusive AI, space technology, and peacekeeping efforts, with a strong emphasis on human connection and celebrating shared diversity.
The event also featured a high-level public address and a fireside chat titled "In Conversation: Turning Policy Into Practice - What does it take?", convening senior leaders to discuss the practical implementation of the report’s ambitious vision.
