Latest news with #AfricaDay2025
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"India, Africa have strong relationship": Mozambique envoy Ermindo Augusto Ferreira
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Mozambique's Ambassador to India and the Dean of African Heads of Missions, Ermindo Augusto Ferreira, has described ties between Africa and India as 'special and strong.' He also called India a 'good friend' of Africa and emphasised that together they can do things that can benefit the people. Speaking to ANI, Mozambique's envoy expressed happiness over External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's participation in the Africa Day celebrations. On Africa Day celebrations here in Delhi on Wednesday, he said, 'We are really very happy that Dr S Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of the government of India, came and graced the occasion. It's a big honour for us. This is a very auspicious occasion for all of us. We have always to remember those who, since the inception of the organisation it were African.' 'The African Union up today, they have set the tone for part of the development and between Africa and India, we have a very strong relationship. It's a very special partnership, whereby there is a clear agenda for development, a clear cooperation which also enable us within the South-South cooperation so that we in Africa, we can benefit from the support and help of India in certain areas of development. India is a very good friend of Africa, always with Africa,...We have this strong belief that together we can do things which at the end will benefit our people,' he added. Jaishankar participated in Africa Day 2025 celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday. He described the relationship, connect, and empathy between India and Africa as 'truly special' and expressed India's commitment to the development of Africa. Ermindo Augusto Ferreira emphasised that people from Africa have suffered a lot due to colonialism, slavery, which has impacted negatively in Africa negatively, and called for changing the narrative. About the theme of Africa Day 2025, he said, 'We are talking about repression. I mean throughout those people from Africa, we have suffered a lot, colonialism, slavery, all this has impacted negatively in Africa, and we have to recognise that this is the time that we have to bring about Africa so that we can be in position to compete also globally, to be in position to decide about our own destiny and also to be in position to develop our country using our own resources.' 'So, we at this stage we realise that the past impacted on us and we have to change this narrative and we hope that with this development international arena that Africa can find the way within very close countries which support Africa that we can together joint effort and try to strive together for development of the continent. We have very huge markets. We are talking about 1.4 billion people, so it's a very huge market and it has a lot of potential, a lot of resources which can be used just to improve the living standards of our people in the continent,' he added. He condemned terrorism and called for unity in fighting against terrorism. He said that Africa strongly condemns any kind of terrorist act. When asked about the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and India's Operation Sindoor, he responded, 'I mean we have to condemn in a very strong manner the terrorism. This manner of terrorism has to be combated. It has no borders, no geography, so we have to be united as countries to fight against terrorism because it is against development, it is against the development of people. So we strongly believe and we strongly condemn any kind of terrorist acts, and we also believe that within the countries that we have to struggle together, we have to fight these heinous crimes which are committed by this terrorism.' As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
'India, Africa have strong relationship', says Mozambique envoy to India
Mozambique's Ambassador to India and the Dean of African Heads of Missions, Ermindo Augusto Ferreira, has described ties between Africa and India as "special and strong." He also called India a "good friend" of Africa and emphasised that together they can do things that can benefit the people. Speaking to ANI, Mozambique's envoy expressed happiness over External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's participation in the Africa Day celebrations. On Africa Day celebrations here in Delhi on Wednesday, he said, "We are really very happy that Dr S Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of the government of India, came and graced the occasion. It's a big honour for us. This is a very auspicious occasion for all of us. We have always to remember those who, since the inception of the organisation it were African." "The African Union up today, they have set the tone for part of the development and between Africa and India, we have a very strong relationship. It's a very special partnership, whereby there is a clear agenda for development, a clear cooperation which also enable us within the South-South cooperation so that we in Africa, we can benefit from the support and help of India in certain areas of development. India is a very good friend of Africa, always with Africa,...We have this strong belief that together we can do things which at the end will benefit our people," he added. Jaishankar participated in Africa Day 2025 celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday. He described the relationship, connect, and empathy between India and Africa as "truly special" and expressed India's commitment to the development of Africa. Ermindo Augusto Ferreira emphasised that people from Africa have suffered a lot due to colonialism, slavery, which has impacted negatively in Africa negatively, and called for changing the narrative. About the theme of Africa Day 2025, he said, "We are talking about repression. I mean throughout those people from Africa, we have suffered a lot, colonialism, slavery, all this has impacted negatively in Africa, and we have to recognise that this is the time that we have to bring about Africa so that we can be in position to compete also globally, to be in position to decide about our own destiny and also to be in position to develop our country using our own resources." "So, we at this stage we realise that the past impacted on us and we have to change this narrative and we hope that with this development international arena that Africa can find the way within very close countries which support Africa that we can together joint effort and try to strive together for development of the continent. We have very huge markets. We are talking about 1.4 billion people, so it's a very huge market and it has a lot of potential, a lot of resources which can be used just to improve the living standards of our people in the continent," he added. He condemned terrorism and called for unity in fighting against terrorism. He said that Africa strongly condemns any kind of terrorist act. When asked about the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and India's Operation Sindoor, he responded, "I mean we have to condemn in a very strong manner the terrorism. This manner of terrorism has to be combated. It has no borders, no geography, so we have to be united as countries to fight against terrorism because it is against development, it is against the development of people. So we strongly believe and we strongly condemn any kind of terrorist acts, and we also believe that within the countries that we have to struggle together, we have to fight these heinous crimes which are committed by this terrorism." As many as 26 people were killed and several others were injured in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Our relationship, connect, and empathy truly special": EAM Jaishankar hails India-Africa ties
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the relationship, connect and empathy between India and Africa is 'truly special.' He expressed India's commitment to development of Africa by keeping India's market open, sharing experiences with the digital revolution to support Africa's development, improving delivery of public services, spreading education and digital literacy in Africa, strengthening African agriculture and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations. In his address at the Africa Day 2025 celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday, Jaishankar also recalled the COVID-19 pandemic and mentioned that the vaccine apartheid was accentuated by travel restrictions. Jaishankar said, 'Our relationship, our connect, our empathy is truly special. Many of you would be aware of the deeply held view in this country that our independence would not be complete until Africa secured hers. Today that logic extends to development, to prosperity, and to progress as well. When we speak of food, health, and energy security, it is not just a concern about our national prospects. It is equally about the challenges that Africa faces and the solutions that could emerge from international partnerships. 'The COVID experience was deeply scarring for all of us. But most of all for Africa. The vaccine apartheid was accentuated by travel restrictions and followed by financial decisions which hurt the continent very deeply. Assessing the dismal state of progress on realising SDGs, the picture is most difficult when it comes to Africa. So, these are indeed difficult times and challenging circumstances, but all the more reason for India and Africa to stand together firm and fast,' he added. Speaking about the Global South, Jaishankar said, 'I'm sometimes asked the question about the Global South, of which we, India and Africa, are two key segments. My reply has always been that those who raise queries about the Global South will never understand it, and those who get it will never raise questions.' He affirmed India's support and partnership for Africa. He noted the transformations that were underway in Africa as it emerges as the continent of the future. He expressed confidence that the nations of Africa will overcome every obstacle and realise its destiny. He recalled how African Union became a member of G20 during India's presidency. Jaishankar said, 'Let me underline that today is an occasion for us to express our solidarity, our friendship, our partnership with Africa, India has always been and will always be with Africa. Having said that, I must also fully recognise the profound transformations underway, economic, social, and political as Africa steadily emerges as the continent of the future. We have the fullest confidence that the nations of Africa will overcome every obstacle and realise their destiny.' 'As they do so, it is imperative that along with their freedom, they are also given their due and rightful place in international platforms. In keeping with its long-standing espousal of the African cause, it was natural that India, in its G20 presidency pushed for the African Union's full membership of the G20. The same spirit guides our approach to the reform of the United Nations, especially the Security Council. We believe that Africa should be represented in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Declaration,' he added. Expressing India's commitment to overall development of Africa, he said, 'India is committed to the overall development of Africa by keeping our markets open, sharing our experiences with the digital revolution to support Africa's development, improving delivery of public services, spreading education and digital literacy in Africa, strengthening African agriculture and working with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations.' 'Demonstrating our commitment to Africa, we have expanded our diplomatic footprint in recent years with the opening of 17 new diplomatic missions, bringing the total number of Indian missions in the continent to 46. In the line, in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is a family, India has placed development cooperation and capacity-building programmes at the core of its partnership,' he added. Jaishankar noted that India has been at the forefront in offering training to African candidates under its flagship ITEC programme. He mentioned that more than 37,000 Africans have been trained in India under the ITEC/ICCR scholarships in the last 10 years. He said, 'In the spirit of 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam' (The World is a family), India has placed development cooperation and capacity-building programmes at the core of its partnership. India has also been at the forefront in offering training to African candidates under its flagship ITEC programme. Over 37,000 Africans have been trained in India under the ITEC/ICCR scholarships in the last 10 years. The Indian Institute of Technology in Zanzibar (Tanzania), the National Forensic Science University in Uganda, the Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Rwanda, and various Centres of Information Technology in several countries testify to our commitment to advancing education in African countries.' Expressing India's commitment to advancing Africa Development Framework Agenda 2063, Jaishankar said, 'We also affirm our commitment in advancing Africa Development Framework Agenda 2063 aimed to provide a better, secure, and sustainable future for the people of Africa. Our engagement has been guided by the 10 principles enunciated by Prime Minister Modi, which reaffirm that Africa's goals and agenda are India's priority. Unlike extractive models of engagement, India believes in an inclusive, demand-driven development cooperation by way of building local capacity and creating local opportunities, ensuring that African countries not only benefit from investments but also develop self-sustaining growth ecosystems.' He expressed India's commitment to developing Africa's connectivity and infrastructure. He said that India has extended over USD 700 million grant assistance to African nations, include cancer therapy machines like 'Bhabhatron', medical equipment and medicines including during the COVID through our 'Vaccine Maitri' program. He said, 'India also remains steadfast in its commitment to develop Africa's connectivity and infrastructure. Spread over 200 projects across the continent in areas spanning railways, power generation and agriculture, as well as water supply, our initiatives aim to develop self-sustaining growth in Africa.' 'In the last decade, we have extended more than USD 700mn grant assistance to African countries which include cancer therapy machines like 'Bhabhatron', medical equipment and medicines including during the COVID through our 'Vaccine Maitri' program, Ambulances and indigenously made low-cost artificial limbs called 'Jaipur Foot', and which have actually benefitted more than 13,000 patients in 21 African countries as well as food grains to combat drought like situations,' he added. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Jaishankar' veiled dig at China over Africa policy: ‘Unlike extractive models…'
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took a veiled dig at China's Africa policy, criticizing Beijing's 'extractive models of engagement'. Speaking at the Africa Day 2025 celebrations in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted India's approach of capacity building, skill development, and technology transfer. Watch for more
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First Post
6 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Africa Day 2025: The continent has come far, and still has far to go
By taking greater ownership of its development agenda, strengthening democratic institutions, and engaging diverse partners strategically, Africa can shape a future that is inclusive, resilient, and prosperous read more A drone view shows a "mat" of water lettuce covering the Vaal River and expanding quickly, impairing the water's quality by blocking the air-water interface and sharply lowering oxygen levels at Millionaires Bend, West of Sasolburg, South Africa, February 16. REUTERS/Shiraaz Mohamed Africa Day 2025 is celebrated annually on May 25. This date commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 by 33 African nations, a body which transformed into the African Union (AU) in 2002. The AU now stands as a 23-year-old institution striving to realise the pan-African vision of unity, peace, and shared prosperity. This year's Africa Day offers a timely moment to reflect on emerging trends, persistent challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Institutional Renewal and Political Transitions One of the more promising developments in 2025 is the successful conclusion of elections for a new AU Commission. The Commission, while not fully constituted due to a lack of nominations from Central Africa, has ushered in a wave of pragmatism under its new chairperson, Mohamed Ali Yusuf, the former foreign minister of Djibouti. His appointment signals a more neutral and effective leadership, opening space for greater institutional reforms and collaboration. Simultaneously, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), one of Africa's most successful regional economic communities. ECOWAS was seen as a model for regional integration, but recent years witnessed setbacks due to military takeovers in member states. Countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso withdrew, raising questions about the unity of Africa's foundational Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the future of the AU's subsidiarity principle. Democratic Progress and Challenges The state of democracy and governance remains mixed. In 2024, out of 17 scheduled elections, 13 were held. Of these, seven incumbents retained power while six new leaders were elected, showing both continuity and transition. Noteworthy peaceful transfers of power occurred in Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal. However, elections in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, and South Sudan were postponed, highlighting persistent political instability. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has raised alarm over declining participatory and democratic indicators. The Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership has not been awarded since 2020, underscoring a perceived lack of transformative leadership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Southern Africa, the dominance of liberation-era parties is waning. In Namibia and South Africa, South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) and the African National Congress (ANC) retained power but with significantly reduced mandates. In Botswana, the Botswana Democratic Party lost for the first time since independence. In Mozambique, Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (FRELIMO) won amid accusations of electoral manipulation while facing mounting economic and social challenges. These outcomes underscore the urgency for current elites to tackle long-standing problems such as youth unemployment, inequality, and corruption. The youth, with a median age of just 19 across the continent, are increasingly vocal. Empowered by digital tools and social media, they are pushing for accountability and change, often outside traditional political frameworks. Security and Fragility Security remains a critical concern in 2025. Jihadist insurgencies continue to plague the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Horn of Africa, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and northern Mozambique. Separatist movements persist in Cameroon and Mali, while Ethiopia remains in a fragile post-conflict phase after its devastating war in Tigray. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Youth-led protests are on the rise, sometimes turning violent, as seen in Kenya and Mozambique. Unfortunately, in several instances, governments have responded with crackdowns or coups, exacerbating instability. There is an urgent need to overhaul regional and international approaches to peacebuilding, with a greater emphasis on inclusion and long-term resilience. Climate and Development Challenges Africa is among the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are threatening food security, water access, public health, and overall development. Seven of the world's ten most climate-vulnerable countries are in Africa. Building climate resilience must be prioritised, especially in rural communities and urban slums. Despite these challenges, there are promising economic trends. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Africa rose sharply in 2025 to $94 billion, up from $48 billion in 2023. Between 2000 and 2024, Africa's global trade expanded fivefold—from $276 billion to $1.4 trillion—with China, India, and the EU emerging as its top trade partners. Notably, India contributed $75 billion in FDI, reflecting its growing economic footprint. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since 2019, Africa has been steadily shifting from aid dependence toward investment- and trade-led growth. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), rather than loan-driven projects, offer a more sustainable model for development financing. External Engagement and Strategic Autonomy Africa's external engagements remain complex. The EU's Global Gateway Initiative, launched in 2021 with a €300 billion target (half intended for Africa), has yet to reach meaningful scale. Meanwhile, Europe's hardened migration policies have placed pressure on African countries to curb irregular migration, exacerbating humanitarian pressures and regional friction. The United States, under the Trump administration, has cut back significantly on aid, especially USAID programmes in public health. Its confrontational trade posture—including disputes with South Africa under African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)—adds to the uncertainty. The possibility of closing diplomatic missions in Africa would open the door for greater influence from other powers, notably Russia and China. African nations prefer a balanced, non-aligned approach, but rising global polarisation threatens their strategic autonomy. While the EU remains rhetorically supportive, its economic woes may lead to further aid reductions, forcing African countries to reassess their development partnerships. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Africa-Led Initiatives: Time for Ownership Amid these dynamics, Africa must assert greater ownership of its development path. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Africa CDC are two flagship initiatives that, if fully realised, can significantly boost intra-African trade and health security. The AU must take a stronger role in managing and streamlining its partnerships. Summits with countries and regional blocs which must be better coordinated under AU leadership. Regularised summits, such as the India-Africa Forum Summit, should be revived, ensuring Africa speaks with a unified voice. The AU must also recommit to enforcing its own decisions and ensuring compliance among member states. This includes standing firm on democratic principles, peacebuilding norms, and collective regional action. India and Africa: A Shared Future In 2025, India is well-positioned to strengthen its ties with Africa through a forward-looking, partnership-based approach. By focusing on sustainable development, technology transfer, and capacity building, India can contribute meaningfully to Africa's transformation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's emphasis on mutual respect, South-South cooperation, and people-to-people ties resonates well with African aspirations. India and Africa share historical bonds and a common interest in a more equitable global order. Conclusion Africa Day 2025 is both a celebration of how far the continent has come and a reminder of the road ahead. While the African Union and its member states face serious challenges—governance, security, climate vulnerability, and shifting geopolitics—they also possess immense opportunities driven by youth, innovation, and global engagement. By taking greater ownership of its development agenda, strengthening democratic institutions, and engaging diverse partners strategically, Africa can shape a future that is inclusive, resilient, and prosperous. India, as a long-standing friend and emerging partner, stands ready to walk this journey with Africa—guided by solidarity, sustainability, and shared ambition. The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
