By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
Africa’s vast arable land presents significant opportunities for collaboration between India and Africa in the agriculture sector, according to Vikramjit Singh Sahney of the BRICS AgriBusiness Council. Sahney, who is also a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab, emphasized that Africa could become a key source of pulses, oilseeds, and other agricultural products such as millets.
Speaking at the India-Africa Business Conclave on August 22, Sahney highlighted that much of Africa’s fertile land remains underutilized. By leveraging agricultural inputs and technology, India could assist in developing the entire agricultural value chain across various African nations.
Sahney also pointed out that the growth of the manufacturing and services sectors could significantly benefit Africa’s youth, who represent the largest young population globally. He suggested that India could support African startups, particularly in burgeoning hubs like Lagos, Nairobi, and Cape Town, which are emerging as startup capitals.
Furthermore, Sahney stressed the importance of cooperation in skill development to enhance human capital growth in Africa. He proposed utilizing institutions such as the National Skill Development Corporation and IT companies to provide skills training through initiatives like the Skill India Mission and e-skill portals.
“This approach would not only improve employability among African youth but also supply skilled labor to support Africa’s trade and industry,” Sahney noted.
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