India’s longstanding partnership with Africa received a significant boost as President Ram Nath Kovind completed a milestone three-nation tour shortly after assuming office in July 2017. Visiting Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), and Zambia, the trip marked India’s expanded outreach on the continent, with Equatorial Guinea welcoming an Indian Head of State for the first time.
Equatorial Guinea: Energy, Capacity Building, and Global Cooperation
Equatorial Guinea holds strategic importance for India, serving as its fourth-largest supplier of oil and gas. In 2016, ONGC Videsh Limited signed an MoU to explore upstream hydrocarbon investments in the country. Recently elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2018–2019, Equatorial Guinea presented opportunities for deeper global coordination.
During talks with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President Kovind emphasized collaboration in key sectors such as oil and gas, mining, agriculture, fisheries, health, and ICT. Three agreements were signed on traditional medicine, medicinal plants, and information and communication technology.
Both nations reaffirmed support for the African Union’s efforts against terrorism and backed India’s proposal for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. Equatorial Guinea also welcomed India’s leadership in establishing the International Solar Alliance.
India further committed to establishing an Entrepreneurship Development and Vocational Training Centre, as well as an English Language Training Laboratory. President Kovind announced plans to open a resident Indian mission in Malabo and support the country’s Horizon 2020 development programme through capacity-building initiatives.
Eswatini: Healthcare, Digital Growth, and Infrastructure Support
The next stop was Eswatini, where President Kovind was hosted by King Mswati III. The two countries signed a MoU on health cooperation and an agreement granting visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders.
India pledged technical and financial support for constructing a new Parliament building, aligning with Eswatini’s Vision 2022 development agenda. President Kovind also inaugurated an Information Technology Centre at the Royal Science and Technology Park, built through a $20 million concessional line of credit from India, and announced an additional $10.4 million for establishing a Disaster Recovery Site.
India confirmed plans to open a resident diplomatic mission in Eswatini, with the kingdom reciprocating by pledging to open a mission in New Delhi.
Healthcare and agriculture were key areas of focus. India donated $3 million worth of medical supplies, extended a $37.9 million concessional loan to enhance maize production, and pledged $400,000 for irrigation projects in the Hhohho region. Plans were announced to set up a Centre for Agricultural Excellence and install 20 solar charging stations in underserved areas.
India also contributed $1 million to Eswatini’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and donated 700 tons of rice and 300 tons of beans for drought relief. Eswatini reaffirmed support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Zambia: Expanding Trade, Investment, and Development Cooperation
In Zambia, President Kovind highlighted India’s strong economic footprint, with private investments exceeding $5 billion in sectors such as mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals. Bilateral trade grew from $1.2 billion in April 2017 to January 2018.
Zambian leadership praised India’s role in defense capacity building, and both countries discussed further cooperation in training military personnel. India pledged $3 million for health and education initiatives and provided $100,000 for renovating the Mahatma Gandhi Primary School. Additionally, India announced construction of a “Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre” in Lusaka.
Zambia’s participation in the International Solar Alliance opened new avenues for cooperation in renewable energy. India offered support in biomass gasifier technology and broader power generation sectors.
Four key agreements were signed:
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Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation,
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MoU on establishing an Entrepreneurship Cooperative Development Centre,
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Visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders,
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MoU on judicial cooperation.
A New Chapter in India–Africa Relations
President Kovind’s visit underscored Africa’s central role in India’s foreign policy, reinforcing cooperation in energy, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, defense, and capacity building. The tour not only deepened bilateral ties but also reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development aspirations as an equal partner.
Great initiative by India! How will these partnerships benefit the African nations in the long run? 🤔
I’m curious about the impact on local businesses in Africa. Will they benefit from this increased cooperation?
Why is Equatorial Guinea such a strategic partner for India? Is it just about oil and gas?
Three agreements on traditional medicine and ICT? Sounds promising! 🌿💻
India is really making waves in Africa. Good for them! 😊
Did President Kovind really make a difference with this visit, or is it just ceremonial? 🤨
More partnerships like this are needed globally. Kudos to India! 🌍
The focus on healthcare in Eswatini is commendable. How will it be implemented?
Why is there such a focus on solar energy in these agreements? Does Africa have the infrastructure for this?
So, India is helping build a new Parliament in Eswatini? That’s some serious commitment!