India and Africa must grow together through trust and cooperation: Nayab Singh Saini
Nayab Singh Saini calls for stronger India–Africa cooperation at Bharat Electricity Summit held in New Delhi
5 Dariya News
Chandigarh/New Delhi 21-Mar-2026
Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that in the new era of global cooperation, Haryana is moving rapidly towards further strengthening and expanding its relations with African countries. He said that Haryana has emerged not only as a leading state in industrial and economic sectors but has also established a distinct identity in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy, horticulture and other allied sectors.
Through mutual cooperation, both sides can share experience and expertise and accelerate development.The Chief Minister was addressing the India–Africa Strategic Partnership session organized in New Delhi at the Bharat Electricity Summit–2026.
The event was chaired by Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Sh. Manohar Lal, while Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Sh. Shripad Yesso Naik also addressed the summit.Addressing ministers, delegates and dignitaries from African countries, the Chief Minister said that Haryana’s relationship with Africa goes beyond “business to business” and is truly “heart to heart.”
He said there is immense potential for cooperation between Haryana and African countries in agriculture and allied sectors. Collaboration in modern technology, improved seeds, irrigation management, dairy development and agro-based industries will benefit both sides. He added that the Haryana Government is committed to promoting institutional collaboration, investment facilitation and knowledge exchange in this direction.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that new dimensions of cooperation between Haryana and African nations will emerge in the coming years, accelerating economic growth and contributing to shared global prosperity.He said the summit is not just an international meeting but a shared platform for building a better future through cooperation and collective growth.
It reflects a common vision to strengthen ties between India and Africa.Referring to the long-standing relationship between India and African countries, he said this partnership is rooted in shared history, cultural connections, struggles and aspirations. Both regions are emerging as strong voices of the Global South with aligned development goals.
*Haryana small in size, but strong in resolve*
Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that the India–Africa partnership is based on equality, trust and mutual respect, with a focus on inclusive growth ensuring no one is left behind. Highlighting Haryana’s role, he said that although small in size, the state is strong in resolve and leading in agriculture, manufacturing and youth-driven innovation.
He informed that Haryana is possibly the only state in the country with a dedicated Department of Foreign Cooperation, which he personally oversees to promote global partnerships in trade, investment, skill development and cultural exchange.
Emphasizing the importance of the energy sector, the Chief Minister credited former Chief Minister and current Union Power Minister Sh. Manohar Lal for transforming Haryana’s power sector. He said the state has achieved profitability in power distribution, ensured 24-hour electricity supply in over 90 percent of villages and reduced line losses to around 9 percent.
He said Haryana is ready to share its experience in energy management, digital governance and effective service delivery with African countries and emphasized cooperation and mutual learning over competition.
*Strengthening investment and trade partnerships*
The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing engagements with countries like Kenya and Tanzania in agriculture, where Haryana farmers can contribute to improving productivity. He also pointed to opportunities in energy generation and infrastructure development in Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda.
Referring to cooperation with the Tanzania Investment Centre, he said it is opening new avenues in trade, agriculture, fertilizers and energy sectors, while high-level dialogue is boosting investor confidence.He highlighted Haryana’s diversified economy—agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs and startups—and noted vast opportunities for multi-sector cooperation with Southern African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In West Africa—Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—there are opportunities in agribusiness, food processing and dairy value chains, while East Africa offers scope in agri-tech, irrigation, water management, healthcare and renewable energy. In North Africa, opportunities exist in textiles, logistics, food processing and solar energy.
*Digital transformation and market expansion*
Calling the Bharat Electricity Summit a symbol of a technology-driven economy, the Chief Minister said Haryana is committed to keeping its markets open and making trade more attractive. He said the state aims to leverage its digital transformation experience to support improvements in public services, education, healthcare, financial inclusion and digital literacy in Africa.
Describing climate change as a global challenge, he called for joint efforts between India and Africa in renewable energy, water conservation and environmental protection.Welcoming all participants, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the summit will mark a new beginning of friendship, cooperation and shared success between Haryana, India and African countries.
On this occasion, Dr. Jean Mathanga, Minister of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Malawi; Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Union Power Ministry; Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of Rwanda; Ms. Nomusa Muswambi from Zimbabwe; Vishal Mummaloo, Second Secretary from Mauritius; Melesse Ayanra from Ethiopia; HRH Lebogang Zulu from South Africa; Dr. Lawrence Jones from the Energy Plexus Institute, Switzerland; Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50; Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC; Amneet P. Kumar, Principal Secretary, Haryana; Ashok Kumar Meena, Director; Vikram, Managing Director; and Pawan Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister, were present.