Q9. India–Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.
Possible Introductions
Contextual:
India and Africa, both young and rapidly digitising societies, have converged on the idea that digital public infrastructure and ICT-led growth are key drivers of inclusive development.
Fact-based:
India–Africa digital cooperation is institutionalised through frameworks like India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), Pan-African e-Network Project, and Digital India–Digital Africa initiatives.
Philosophical:
Unlike traditional donor–recipient models, India’s digital partnership with Africa is developmental, respectful, and cooperative, reflecting South–South solidarity.
Main Body
1. Mutual Respect in the Partnership
-
- South–South Cooperation: India engages as an equal partner, not as a neo-colonial power.
- Demand-Driven Projects: Based on African states’ priorities, not imposed conditionalities.
- Capacity Building: Thousands of African professionals trained under ITEC scholarships in ICT & e-governance.
- Respect for Sovereignty: Unlike Western models, India does not attach political strings to digital investments.
2. Co-Development Dimension
-
- Pan-African e-Network Project (2009–2017): Tele-education and tele-medicine connecting 48 African countries with Indian institutions.
- e-VidyaBharati & e-ArogyaBharati (2019–present): 15,000 scholarships for African students in e-learning; telemedicine consultations with Indian doctors.
- Fintech & Digital Public Goods: Collaboration on UPI, Aadhaar-like ID systems, and digital payments. Example: NPCI International discussions with African central banks.
- Startup Ecosystem: India–Africa Hackathons (2022) encourage co-innovation among students and entrepreneurs.
- E-Governance Tools: Indian software and expertise shared for tax administration, digital IDs, and land record systems.
3. Long-term Institutional Partnerships
-
- India–Africa Forum Summit (2008, 2011, 2015): Institutionalised digital cooperation.
- EXIM Bank Lines of Credit: Funding ICT parks, fibre optic networks in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mauritius.
- Indian IT Companies in Africa: Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio expanding telecom and IT infrastructure.
- AU–India Collaboration: Support for Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).
- Multilateral Platforms: G20 Digital Economy Working Group → India advocates Africa’s digital integration.
Sweet Spot – Table
| Dimension | Indian Contribution | African Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Education | e-VidyaBharati scholarships | Skilled youth, human capital |
| Health | e-ArogyaBharati telemedicine | Accessible rural healthcare |
| Finance | UPI-like payment systems | Financial inclusion, remittance facilitation |
| Governance | E-Governance software, IT parks | Transparent administration |
| Innovation | India–Africa hackathons | Co-creation of tech solutions |
Possible Conclusions
Balanced:
India–Africa digital partnership is not transactional but transformational, built on trust, respect, and shared developmental aspirations.
Policy-linked:
By complementing Africa’s Agenda 2063 and India’s Digital Public Infrastructure model, this partnership ensures long-term sustainability.
Philosophical:
It reflects the Gandhian ethic of “Sarvodaya through Antyodaya” — uplifting the last person, whether in India or Africa, through technology.
Forward-looking:
As AI, fintech, and cybersecurity gain importance, expanding India–Africa digital cooperation will define the future of South–South collaboration and strengthen India’s role as Africa’s trusted development partner.
