The Third Africa-India Forum Summit (AIFS-III) was held in India from 26–30 October 2015. This was the largest international gathering of leaders in New Delhi after the 1983 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit.
- Venue – Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi
- Participants – 54 African Nation’s head of state or government
- Logo – It depicts Lion with one half of an African lion and another half of an Indian lion.
- Slogan – “Proud, Courageous, Bold and on the Prowl, ready to take on the future and seize every opportunity”
Subjects raised by 12 African Leaders
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari – Increase training of military officers and to fight against “Boko Haram”*
Niger President Issoufou Mahamadou – Security and counter-terrorism
Lesotho PM Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili – Defence cooperation
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe – Cooperation in the fight against terror
Ghana President John Dramani Mahama – Maritime security and cyber security
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh – anti-piracy operations, cooperation in maritime security, cyber security and defence cooperation
Chad President Idriss Deby Itno – Security and counter-terrorism cooperation
South African President Jacob Zuma – Steps to fight terrorism
Mozambique PM Carlos Agostinho Do Rosario – Defence and security cooperation with India
Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba – Terrorism, transnational crimes and need for cooperation
* Boko Haram is a name of the group means “Western” or “non-Islamic” education is a sin. The group is active in the north of Nigeria, and wants to impose Islamic law as the only law in Nigeria.
Key Highlights in Areas of cooperation
Economic Cooperation
- India announced concessional credit of $10 million over the next 5 years for Africa
- India also offers a grant assistance of $600 million which will include India-Africa Development Fund of $100 million and India-Africa
Cooperation in Trade & Industry
- Support establishment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Medium and Small Industries (MSIs)
- Promote Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by encouraging Indian businesses to set up skills development units in African industrial zones
Cooperation in Agriculture
- Increase cooperation in improving farming techniques
- Effective and efficient management of water resources and improve irrigation techniques
- Promote investment in agribusinesses and food processing industry
Cooperation in Renewable Energy
- Intensify ongoing cooperation in developing renewable energy generation including solar, wind, hydro, geo-thermal and bio-mass along with building power transmission systems.
Cooperation in Blue Economy
- Exploring closer collaboration through training, capacity building and joint projects
- Pursue cooperation in port operations and marine transport
Cooperation in Infrastructure
- Intensify ongoing cooperation through concessional credit in infrastructure areas, including water supply management, maritime connectivity, road and railway construction and upgradation.
Cooperation in Education & Skill Development
- Areas of scientific and technological development as well as in Information and Communication Technology
- Renew, expand and upgrade the existing Pan African E-Network Project
Cooperation in Health
- Support Africa’s campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA)
- Full use of the flexibilities provided by the agreement on trade related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Cooperation in Peace & Security
- Support AU Peace and Security initiative within the African Peace and Security Architecture
- Pursue cooperation on Maritime security issues
- Cyber security
Monitoring Mechanism
- Agree to establish a regular formal monitoring mechanism to review the implementation of the agreed areas of cooperation and identified projects by the competent bodies of the partnership.
Keys
Africa and India are separated by the Indian Ocean
South Africa capitals: Pretoria (administrative capital), Cape Town (legislative capital) & Bloemfontein (judicial capital)
South Africa currency: South African rand
South Africa President – Jacob Zuma