An India–Africa Strategic Partnership Meet was held on the third day of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, convened to strengthen energy collaboration between India and African nations. The meeting, chaired by Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power, brought together ministers, CEOs, ambassadors, development partners, and industry leaders from across Africa and India.
The discussions emphasized actionable cooperation in renewable energy expansion, grid modernization, energy storage and flexibility, and institutional capacity building. Both sides highlighted investment-led collaboration, technology transfer, and public-private partnerships as key drivers for creating a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy ecosystem. The partnership aims to leverage India’s expertise and Africa’s growth potential to deliver long-term socio-economic transformation.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Manohar Lal underscored the importance of power in driving economic growth and opportunities, referencing the One Sun, One World, One Grid initiative as a blueprint for global energy connectivity. He cited India’s journey from energy deficit to surplus and its rapid renewable energy growth as a model for Africa, highlighting successful collaborations such as the Africa50–Power Grid Corporation of India Kenya transmission project.
Shri Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, stressed moving from intent to action, framing energy access as a driver of economic transformation. Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini reinforced partnership principles based on cooperation rather than competition, highlighting Haryana’s experience in energy management, digital governance, and agricultural collaboration.
From the African perspective, Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, emphasized the need for investment for impact rather than aid, focusing on bankable projects, transmission expansion, and private capital mobilisation. Dr. Jean Mathanga, Minister of Energy and Mining, Malawi, called for renewable energy initiatives, including solar, wind, and smart grid solutions, to accelerate electrification and sustainable development across Africa.
The India–Africa Strategic Partnership is designed as a transformational, co-created framework, leveraging India’s technical expertise and Africa’s resource potential. Initiatives under the partnership include scalable renewable solutions like solar rooftops, hydro-solar integration, mini grids, and decentralized energy systems, supported by institutional capacity building, policy frameworks, and public-private partnerships.
The partnership aims to bridge energy access gaps, enhance regional integration, and foster long-term inclusive growth, reinforcing India’s role as a trusted partner in Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
