India Shifts Focus from FTAs to Strengthening Customs Union Partnerships in Africa, Officials Announce

India will not pursue free trade agreements (FTA) with the African continent at this time, prioritizing instead commercial ties with specific trading blocs and customs unions, according to officials. This decision comes ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), which will see participation from multiple African heads of state and government. India’s focus will be on enhancing engagement with customs unions like the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), enabling duty-free movement of goods among member nations including South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.

India’s cumulative investment in Africa has now reached $80 billion, solidifying its status as a major investor in the region. The upcoming summit, which coincides with the resumption of the India-Africa Forum after over a decade, aims to strengthen trade relations, with an emphasis on agriculture, energy, and critical minerals—areas identified to combat disruptions from global conflicts, such as the ongoing war in West Asia. Indian officials have ramped up discussions with African counterparts, with key meetings leading up to the event, including a visit from Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal to Tanzania and Kenya.

The summit, scheduled from May 28 to May 31, will encompass various segments addressing business, culture, security, and defense, and will feature dedicated sessions for Foreign Ministers and a leaders’ summit. With a significant focus on security ties, the presence of Indian peacekeepers in African conflict zones will be highlighted. Officials are anticipating concrete outcomes, including potential business initiatives and a joint or vision statement that will chart a collaborative path forward for India-Africa relations.