African & Indian leaders convene to discuss exploring new frontiers in trade and investment at the 20th CII India Africa Business Conclave.

From August 27–29 2025, policymakers, innovators, industry experts and business leaders from across India and Africa convened to discuss how to explore new frontiers in trade and investment, through sectoral sessions and strategic insights, at the 20th CII India Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi.

The 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave was held under the theme “Synergies Towards Co-Creating the Shared Future”, with over 1,500 participants from across India and Africa.

Uganda’s Trade Minister, Francis Mwebesa, who was among the delegates attending, shared important insight on Uganda’s trade & industrial development, strengthening India–Africa trade ties & unlocking opportunities for businesses across sectors

He said that the business meeting was a great opportunity for Africa to develop strategic value chains that drive growth and development.

“Both Africa and India are now focused on moving beyond raw material exports towards higher value-added activities through improved infrastructure, trade facilitation, and investment in key sectors like pharmaceuticals, automotives, and textiles” he said  

Minister Francis Mwebesa at the panel discussion. 

Zimbabwean Vice President Rtd Geberal  Constantino Chiwenga who officially opened the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, called for a shift from resource extraction towards value addition, industrialization, and joint ventures as Africa and India strengthen South-South cooperation.

During Business Conclave, VP Dr. Constantino Chiwenga highlighted the vital shift from resource extraction to value addition, urging stronger ties between Africa and India. Together, fostering innovation and strengthening interrelations

He emphasized the importance of building on the longstanding historical ties between Africa and India, and highlighted the need for participants to focus on economic synergies, investment opportunities, and strengthening.

During the opening session. 

In the exhibition on the sidelines of the business conclave, various exhibitors engaged with companies to highlight the immense investment potential in the different countries.

The Exhibition, B2B Meetings & CII India–Africa Marketplace, according to the business leaders served as a lively platform for discussions between partners, stakeholders, and delegates from across countries.

Companies showcased their products and services, inviting investments and fostering interactions that reinforced the theme of co-creating a shared future, leading to meaningful partnerships and new avenues of collaboration.

The ISA Pavilion H2, Durbar Hall, Taj Palace, New Delhi showcased how they are delivering innovative solar solutions, expanding energy access, building local capacities, accelerating Africa’s clean energy transition through explorable and scalable solar models to advance the solar revolution from unlocking catalytic finance and building capacity, to empowering startups and deploying projects that are transforming lives.