Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi (L) and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) attend a meeting during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Picture: AFP
Image: Picture: AFP
Since the Techno-Economic Approach for Africa–India Movement (TEAM-9) was established in 2004, India’s relationship with Africa has changed significantly. TEAM-9, which was initially founded in order to develop technological and economic cooperation between India and eight West African nations (Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Senegal), established the groundwork for India's wider economic and diplomatic presence throughout the African continent. The spirit of TEAM-9 continues to influence India-African relations as they develop in a multipolar world.
As of 2025, a variety of relationships covering trade, technology, infrastructure, and education will distinguish India's presence in Africa. The limited scope of TEAM-9 has been replaced with continent-wide participation through the India-Africa Forum Summits (IAFS), which were first held in 2008 and have since grown to become a major forum for communication and collaboration. India has committed billions of dollars in development aid through three summits, the most recent of which was in 2015; these include grants for capacity building and $10 billion in concessional credit.
The Pan-African e-Network Project, an ICT project that links African nations with telemedicine and tele-education, is one of the most notable instances of India's infrastructure investment. In addition to embodying TEAM-9's technological vision, this initiative demonstrates India's dedication to digital inclusiveness, which is essential to Africa's development.
In 2024, bilateral trade volumes between Africa and India surpassed $90 billion, making it the continent's third-largest trading partner. In areas like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, major Indian corporations like Bharti Airtel, Tata Group, and Mahindra & Mahindra have made a significant impact. With its existing operations in 14 African nations, Airtel Africa's expansion highlights India's contribution to increasing financial inclusion and digital connection through mobile services.
Additionally, Africa's sustainable development goals are in line with India's investment in renewable energy. Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which was started in partnership with African countries, seek to harness solar energy for off-grid communities, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and promoting green growth.
Through programs like the African Scholarship Scheme, which allows thousands of African students to study in India, India has greatly increased its educational cooperation. These initiatives promote interpersonal relationships and improve the transfer of skills, which is in line with Africa's agenda for human capital development.
The foundational vision of cooperation and solidarity between India and Africa remains, even though there is little to no information of TEAM-9 still being active as of 2025 . Today's partnerships are more strategic and comprehensive, reflecting both the evolution of Africa's developmental priorities and India's desire to establish itself as a trustworthy partner within the Global South. As BRICS grows with new African members like Ethiopia and Egypt, India's diplomatic clout within the bloc also increases, strengthening its role as a bridge between Africa and Asia.
Beyond the legacy of TEAM-9, India's current engagement with Africa demonstrates an adaptable strategy that tackles the continent's present issues while promoting sustainable development and technical advancement. In addition to upholding the spirit of TEAM-9, India solidifies its position as a crucial ally in the Global South's pursuit of a multipolar world by coordinating its actions with Africa's goals for economic resilience and autonomy.
Written by:
*Dr Iqbal Survé
Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN
*Sesona Mdlokovana
Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group
UAE & African Specialist
**The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.
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