India and Zimbabwe can write the next great chapter of South-South cooperation, said Gen (Retd) CGDN Chiwenga, Vice-President of Zimbabwe, addressing an event in New Delhi on Wednesday. He emphasised that Africa offers the world not only resources, but also markets and innovation.
He was speaking during the inaugural session on ‘Synergies towards Co-Creating a Shared Future’ at the CII India-Africa Business Conclave, which saw more than 1,600 delegates from 64 countries, including 17 non-African countries.
“Together with India, Zimbabwe can write the next great chapter of South-South cooperation, demonstrating to the world, that partnerships among developing nations can drive innovation, build industries, and create a more equitable, global economy,” he said, adding, “Africa offers the world more than just resources, it brings markets, talent and innovation.”
He also added that Africa, through its mineral wealth, is positioned as a critical player in the global supply chain for green technologies and advanced manufacturing. Chiwenga said that Africa has one of the fastest-growing populations and some of the youngest, most dynamic minds in the world.
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“By 2050, Africa will house over 2.5 billion people, driving consumer demand, industrialisation, and infrastructure development on an unprecedented scale,” he noted.
In this context, he listed a slew of opportunities for India in Zimbabwe. “As we aim to achieve upper middle income status by 2030, Zimbabwe offers vast opportunities in mining and value addition, particularly, lithium for electric vehicle and renewable energy storage; agriculture and food processing, food security; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; e-commerce, and infrastructure development,” he said.
Participating in the event, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said that India and Africa are shaping a strong partnership to co-create a shared future built on mutual trust and collaborative efforts.
“Today, we have not only created a vibrant, development cooperation together, but also committed to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Our shared emphasis on trust and transparency make India and Africa natural partners,” he said.
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India has helped African countries promote digital transformation through setting up of IT centres, science and tech parks, and entrepreneur development centres, he said, adding that India is keen to share its experience and know-how to help Africa in its energy transition, through rapid deployment of clean energy technologies.
Rajiv Memani, President, CII, said that India and Africa have very deep historical relationships, a common position in the Global South, and are deepening relationships across sectors.
