OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2016. African countries would benefit immensely by joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) that is headquartered in New Delhi. While delivering special address at valedictory session of 11th CII India Africa Project Partnership Conclave, here today, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy said that India and Africa should deepen partnerships for development of micro grids and off grids. He also said that India and Africa should deepen the cooperation for realisation of UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) well before year 2030.

Mr Ekwow Spio Garbrah, Minister of Trade and Industry, Republic of Ghana, said that India could play a key part in creating solar energy development capacity across the vast Sahara desert where land is not arable. Mr Garbrah identified infrastructure development, healthcare and agriculture as three focus areas that call for deeper India-Africa partnerships. He assured that Ghana could extend expertise in growing cocoa in India.

Mr James Wani Igga, Vice President, Republic of South Sudan, said that Indian investments in Africa must be directed toward areas where Africa enjoys comparative advantage. He underscored India’s role in capacity building in Africa, as well as in initiatives for women’s empowerment. Mr Igga invited Indian investments in South Sudan in agriculture, mining, oil exploration, infrastructure development and social services.

Earlier, Dr Naushad Forbes, President Designate, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) & Co-Chairman, Forbes Marshall, in his introductory address said that CII would play a key part in capacity building in Africa in areas like green building, agriculture and quality standards. He also mentioned that an India Business Forum is coming up to address issues faced by Indian companies doing business in Africa.

Mr Yaduvendra Mathur, Chairman and Managing Director, EXIM Bank of India, stated that due efforts will be made to engage the best of Indian companies to participate in the most critical projects in Africa through the LoC route.

The two day Conclave drew the participation of over 500 delegates from Africa, around 500 delegates from Africa. Some 300 B2B meetings were held during the course of the conclave.