About Conclave
India Africa Business Conclave 2nd Edition
Ahmedabad: The Global India Business Forum organized its second edition of India-
Africa Business Conclave in the vibrant and enterprising city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 19 th
and 20 th July 2024. Diplomats from 16 African countries and 500 plus businesspeople,
exporters, importers and investors across the country were present for the conclave.
The event had the esteemed presence of ambassadors and other diplomats from the African
countries of Angola, Algeria, Botswana, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho,
Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
19th July:
The GIBF team took the African diplomats for a visit to Sabarmati Ashram, also
known as Gandhi Ashram - a historic site located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was
one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi, who lived there from 1917 to 1930 and used it
as one of the main centers of the Indian freedom struggle. Mr. Virat Kothari, Deputy
Director of Sabarmati Ashram gave us and the diplomats a tour of the place and informed
about its significance.
In the evening, we had organized a business networking dinner with our title sponsors, and
other sponsors along with some esteemed companies invited by us for interacting and
networking with the ambassadors. Our title sponsors Lilavati Hospital and Research
Centre, and Lilavati Foundation, co-sponsors Abhi Group and The Grand Heritage Resort
and supporting partners Young India Business Club, ATBO Harita, Global Fortunes LLC
and companies like Reliance India Ltd, Growit, Core Green, Gujarat Pesticides, United
Raw Material, Global Eye, National Biostimulant Industry Federation etc., and some
government officials were present for the business networking and dinner meet with the
diplomats.
20th July:
The Global India Business Forum organized its second edition of India-Africa
Business Conclave in the vibrant and enterprising city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 20 th
July 2024 from 9 am to 6 pm. Diplomats from 16 African countries and 500 plus
businesspeople, exporters, importers and investors across the country were present for the
conclave.
Encouraged by the overwhelming success of the first India-Africa Business Conclave in
Pune, Maharashtra, GIBF organized the second one that once again proved to be a
resounding success in Ahmedabad.
The Ambassadors, High Commissioner & Diplomats and the GIBF team that included its
Founder and Global President, Dr. Jitendra Joshi and Secretary General, Deepali Gadkari
started the event with the National Anthem, taking blessings from Lord Ganesha and
lighting of the holy lamp.
The event was inaugurated by the sharing the letter of appreciation from the Honorable
Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel & Shri Balvantsinh Rajput, Honorable Cabinet
Minister Industries, MSME, Khadi & Rural Industries.
Dr. Jitendra Joshi delivered the welcome speech and explained the objectives of the
Conclave. “The overwhelming success of our first conclave has set a high benchmark, and
I am thrilled to see such a distinguished gathering here today, ready to build on the
foundations we laid together. GIBF was established to promote businesses, with special
emphasis on the MSME sector, across the globe and facilitate cultural exchanges, through
its various unique initiatives. This Conclave is being organized as part of this endeavour”.
Why Africa?
Africa is
becoming an increasingly important continent on the global stage for several
compelling reasons. Its demographic significance coupled with a young and rapidly growing
population is at the foremost in attracting global investors. By 2050, it is estimated that
Africa
will be home to nearly a quarter of the world population. This demographic dividend presents
both opportunities and challenges, making Africa a critical player in global workforce dynamics
and consumer markets.
This youngest continent, with a median age of 20 years and 60 % of the population under the age
of 25, Africa has the potential to shape geopolitics and world economics in the decades to come.
India that has always been a supporter of Africa can navigate through its untapped potential
that
would benefit both India’s and Africa’s economic growth.
Moreover, Africa is rich in natural resources, including minerals, oil, and agricultural land.
The
global demand for these resources, coupled with Africa’s potential for sustainable development,
gives the continent an edge over others as a key player in shaping global resource markets and
sustainability efforts.
Africa is fast-becoming geopolitically significant by becoming a focal point for international
cooperation, trade, and security. Its strategic location, bordering the Atlantic and Indian
Oceans,
grants it access to vital sea routes, making it central to global maritime trade.
India is keen on forging partnerships and investments in the region. India and Africa are both
young countries and the India-Africa economic partnership would be lucrative.
Being the largest international business networking platform, Global India Business Forum is
privileged to propel the growing partnership further by acting as a catalyst to promote such
bilateral trade. In this backdrop, GIBF has organized the biggest ever India-Africa Business
Conclave (Edition 1) on October 6 and 7, 2023. India-Africa economic collaboration would set a
trend for other nations to follow.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for African Union’s (a group of 55 countries)
inclusion in the G20 and this proposal was unanimously agreed upon by all G20 member
countries. This landmark decision represents a significant development in the evolution of the
G20, which would now be G21. It shows the importance of Africa as a growing economic and
geopolitical hub on the international front. This also indicates robust India-Africa trade
opportunities.
The AU is the second group of countries next to the European Union (with 27 countries). The
Voice of the South, initiated by PM Modi, has now been heard by the entire world.