Partners in Progress: India and Japan’s Joint Pathway for Africa’s Development

December 14, 2024 Arpan Nautiyal

1. Introduction

Africa, home to 1.4 billion people as of 2022 (World Bank, 2023), represents a continent of immense opportunity in the 21st century. As its population continues to grow, Africa is poised to become the world’s fastest urbanizing region by 2050, with almost 60% of its population projected to live in urban areas. The African Development Bank forecasts GDP growth of 4.3% for 2024, largely driven by sectors such as technology, agriculture, and manufacturing (AfDB, 2023). However, the region continues to grapple with significant developmental challenges. Notably, Africa faces an annual infrastructure financing gap of $68-108 billion (AfDB, 2022), as well as heightened vulnerability to climate change, with severe weather events such as droughts and floods becoming more frequent (World Meteorological Organization, 2023).

India’s engagement with Africa has deep historical roots. Since the era of colonialism, both regions have shared experiences of exploitation, and in the post-colonial era, this solidarity has evolved into a partnership for mutual growth. Trade between India and Africa has grown consistently, reaching $98 billion in 2022-23 (Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India, 2023). In recent decades, India has positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s human resource development and healthcare sectors, among others. Japan, conversely, has cultivated its relationship with Africa primarily through economic diplomacy and infrastructure development, with its direct investment in Africa standing at $20.1 billion as of 2022 (Japan External Trade Organization [JETRO], 2023).

The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), established in 2017, represents the confluence of Indian and Japanese strategies in Africa. This initiative, which focuses on connectivity, infrastructure development, and capacity building, responds to the continent’s evolving needs and is framed around principles of sustainable development and inclusivity (RIS, 2017). By combining India's expertise in human resource development with Japan's technological and infrastructural capabilities, the AAGC offers a holistic vision for Africa’s economic and social advancement.

 

2. Historical Context of India and Japan in Africa

2.1 India's Role in Africa

India’s ties with Africa date back millennia, with evidence of trade along the Indian Ocean going as far back as the 1st century CE. In the modern era, these connections were solidified through shared experiences of colonialism and decolonization. The Bandung Conference of 1955 was a seminal moment for India-Africa relations, as it established principles of South-South cooperation, emphasizing mutual aid and development without the involvement of colonial powers (Tan & Acharya, 2008).

Post-independence, India quickly became a leading voice for developing countries, and its engagement with Africa deepened through various bilateral and multilateral initiatives. One of India’s most enduring initiatives is the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, launched in 1964. Through ITEC, India has provided training to over 200,000 African professionals, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, IT, and healthcare (Ministry of External Affairs, India, 2023). By transferring knowledge and skills, India has contributed significantly to the capacity-building efforts of African nations.

In addition to its technical cooperation, India has also extended Lines of Credit (LoCs) totaling $12.26 billion, supporting 193 projects across 42 African countries (EXIM Bank of India, 2023). These projects have primarily focused on infrastructure development, agriculture, and manufacturing. India's increasing trade with Africa, which reached $98 billion in 2022-23, underscores its role as one of Africa’s largest trading partners. India’s investments in Africa span sectors such as energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, with a view toward sustainable development.

2.2 Japan's Role in Africa

Japan’s strategic engagement with Africa began in earnest with the establishment of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in 1993. TICAD has become a central pillar of Japan’s Africa policy, promoting a partnership based on quality infrastructure, human security, and technological cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, 2019). Through successive TICAD meetings, Japan has steadily increased its economic assistance to Africa, culminating in the $20 billion investment pledge made at TICAD VII in 2019.

Japan's development assistance to Africa totaled $2.7 billion in 2021 (OECD, 2022), with a significant focus on infrastructure development. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has played a key role in implementing infrastructure projects, with the $353 million Mombasa Port Development Project in Kenya being a standout example (JICA, 2023). This project is part of Japan’s broader commitment to enhancing Africa’s logistical networks and promoting intra-continental trade.

In addition to infrastructure, Japan has emphasized disaster resilience and climate adaptation as part of its development cooperation. Africa is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and Japan has leveraged its expertise in disaster management to support African countries in building more resilient infrastructure. Japanese companies, which operate in 52 African countries, are also increasingly engaged in technology transfer and industrial development (JETRO, 2023).

 

3. The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC)

3.1 Overview and Objectives

The Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) was formally announced in 2017 as a collaborative initiative between India and Japan to promote connectivity, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth in Africa. The AAGC is structured around four key pillars:

  1. Development and Cooperation Projects: Focused on agriculture, healthcare, and education.

  2. Quality Infrastructure and Institutional Connectivity: Designed to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gaps.

  3. Enhancing Capacities and Skills: Aimed at improving human resource development and innovation.

  4. People-to-People Partnerships: Promoting cultural and social ties across Asia and Africa (RIS, 2017).

The AAGC is unique in that it emphasizes consultative planning, ensuring that projects are aligned with the priorities set out by African nations themselves, as articulated in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (African Union Commission, 2015). By working closely with African governments, the AAGC promotes development partnerships based on equality, sustainability, and mutual respect.

3.2 Implementation Framework

The AAGC operates through a multi-stakeholder framework, involving the governments of India and Japan, African governments, the private sector, and development agencies such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) (AfDB, 2023). This collaborative approach has enabled the AAGC to address Africa’s infrastructure needs in a way that integrates local expertise and ensures long-term sustainability.

Key projects under the AAGC include:

  1. The Nacala Corridor Development in Mozambique, which combines Japan’s infrastructure expertise with India’s technical training programs.

  2. Digital connectivity initiatives linking East African nations, supported by Indian IT companies and Japanese telecommunications firms.

  3. Healthcare projects, combining India’s pharmaceutical capabilities with Japan’s advanced medical technology, such as joint ventures to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas (RIS, 2017).
     

4. Key Areas of India-Japan Cooperation in Africa

4.1 Infrastructure Development

Africa faces a critical infrastructure gap, with an estimated $68-108 billion required annually to meet its infrastructure needs (AfDB, 2022). Addressing this challenge is a central focus of India-Japan cooperation through the AAGC.

4.1.1 Transportation Infrastructure

Japan has been particularly active in developing transportation infrastructure in Africa. Between 2016 and 2022, JICA invested $1.3 billion in transport projects across the continent, with significant investments in port and rail infrastructure. The Mombasa Port Development Project in Kenya, for example, is aimed at improving the port’s capacity to handle increased trade volumes, thereby supporting economic growth in East Africa. Similarly, Japan has supported the Nacala Corridor Project in Mozambique with a $243 million investment, integrating port and railway infrastructure. These projects represent Japan’s broader commitment to improving Africa’s logistical networks, boosting intra-regional trade, and enhancing access to global markets (JICA, 2023).

India, meanwhile, has contributed to transportation infrastructure through projects like the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Project in Ghana, which received $447 million in funding (EXIM Bank of India, 2023). The project aims to modernize Ghana’s railway system, promoting regional integration and trade. Additionally, the Zanzibar Airport Terminal in Tanzania, supported by $139 million in Indian funding, has increased the airport’s capacity to handle international air traffic, thereby boosting tourism and trade in East Africa (Ministry of External Affairs, India, 2023).

4.1.2 Digital Infrastructure

India and Japan have also made substantial contributions to the development of Africa’s digital infrastructure. The Pan-Africa e-Network project, led by India, has connected 48 African countries to Indian educational institutions, facilitating tele-education and telemedicine services (Ministry of External Affairs, India, 2023). This initiative is part of a broader effort to leverage India’s IT expertise to bridge Africa’s digital divide.

Japan’s contributions to digital infrastructure are highlighted by its involvement in 5G network development across Africa. In collaboration with Indian and African firms, Japanese companies have been instrumental in deploying 5G infrastructure, with a particular focus on ensuring cybersecurity and digital sovereignty for African nations. These projects reflect the growing importance of the digital economy in Africa, which is projected to reach $712 billion by 2050 (World Bank, 2023).

4.2 Human Resource Development and Capacity Building

Human resource development and capacity building are essential for Africa’s long-term growth, and India and Japan have played a pivotal role in this regard. Their efforts are aimed at improving education, training, and healthcare, which are critical for developing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic development.

4.2.1 Education and Training

India’s ITEC program has been a cornerstone of its human resource development initiatives in Africa. Between 2015 and 2022, over 50,000 African students pursued higher education in Indian universities, benefitting from India’s world-class education system (Ministry of External Affairs, India, 2023). Additionally, India has established India-Africa Institutes of Technology, with centers in Ghana and Tanzania, focusing on technical education and research.

Japan’s contributions to education in Africa are equally notable. The African Business Education (ABE) Initiative for Youth, launched in 2014, has provided training to over 3,000 African professionals in Japan, equipping them with the skills needed to lead business and development efforts in their home countries (JICA, 2023). Furthermore, Japan has established Japan-Africa Science and Technology Institutes in Egypt and Tunisia, focusing on technological research and innovation.

4.2.2 Healthcare Capacity Building

India and Japan have collaborated extensively in the healthcare sector, contributing to capacity-building efforts across Africa. One notable example is the establishment of the Kenya Medical Training College, an initiative that trains local healthcare workers (JICA, 2023). The college is part of a broader effort to address Africa’s healthcare worker shortage, which is critical for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health.

Additionally, India and Japan have implemented telemedicine projects, connecting African hospitals with medical expertise in India and Japan. These projects leverage India’s pharmaceutical capabilities and Japan’s medical technology, providing remote healthcare services to underserved areas. By improving access to healthcare, these initiatives are helping to address some of Africa’s most pressing health challenges, including communicable diseases and maternal and child health.

4.3 Peace and Security Cooperation

India and Japan have increasingly aligned their efforts to support peace and security in Africa, recognizing that stability is essential for sustainable development. Both countries have contributed to United Nations peacekeeping missions and have supported capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s security architecture.

India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, with over 5,000 personnel deployed across the continent as of 2023 (United Nations, 2023). Indian peacekeepers have played a critical role in conflict-affected regions such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia, where they have worked to restore peace and provide humanitarian assistance.

Japan has provided significant financial support for African-led peace initiatives, including a $37.5 million contribution to African Union peace support operations between 2019 and 2022 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, 2023). Japan’s contributions are part of a broader strategy to promote human security in Africa, which emphasizes the protection of individuals and communities from violence and instability.

Through the AAGC, India and Japan have collaborated on peace and security initiatives in Africa. One example is their joint support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), where both countries have contributed funding and training to African security forces. This collaboration reflects the growing importance of triangular cooperation in addressing Africa’s security challenges and promoting regional stability.

4.4 Climate Change and Energy Security

As Africa faces increasing challenges from climate change, India and Japan have made significant contributions to the continent’s energy security and climate resilience. Both countries have implemented renewable energy projects and supported climate adaptation efforts, helping Africa transition to a sustainable energy future.

4.4.1 Renewable Energy Initiatives

India has been a global leader in promoting renewable energy through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Launched in 2015, the ISA has implemented solar energy projects in 14 African countries, helping to increase access to clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2023). These projects are particularly important for addressing Africa’s energy deficit, as over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity (World Bank, 2023).

Japan has complemented India’s efforts by focusing on geothermal power development in East Africa. Japan’s involvement in geothermal energy projects in Kenya, including the Olkaria Geothermal Plant, has contributed to a 45% increase in geothermal capacity in the country between 2014 and 2022 (Kenya Electricity Generating Company, 2023). These initiatives are part of Japan’s broader commitment to supporting Africa’s transition to renewable energy sources.

4.4.2 Climate Resilience

In addition to renewable energy, India and Japan have supported Africa’s efforts to build climate resilience. The two countries have collaborated on the development of early warning systems for extreme weather events in six East African countries (World Meteorological Organization, 2023). These systems are designed to improve disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of climate-related events such as droughts and floods.

India and Japan have also promoted sustainable agriculture practices across Africa, benefiting over 500,000 farmers (African Development Bank, 2023). These practices are aimed at improving food security and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture, which is critical for addressing the twin challenges of climate change and population growth.
 

5. Challenges and Opportunities

5.1 Challenges

While India and Japan have made significant contributions to Africa’s development, several challenges remain:

  1. Financial Constraints: Despite substantial investments, the available funding remains inadequate to meet Africa’s infrastructure needs, which are estimated at $68-108 billion annually (AfDB, 2022).

  2. Coordination Issues: The involvement of multiple stakeholders in AAGC projects can sometimes lead to delays in project implementation, particularly when there are discrepancies in priorities between different partners.

  3. Geopolitical Competition: The growing influence of China in Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) presents a challenge to India and Japan’s initiatives. China’s large-scale infrastructure projects and financial loans have created a competitive environment for India and Japan. African countries, meanwhile, must navigate multiple offers of development assistance, sometimes leading to debt burdens. India and Japan’s response through the AAGC must ensure that their projects remain distinct in terms of transparency, sustainability, and local engagement (Panda, 2019).

  4. Political Instability: Political instability in certain African countries can disrupt the implementation of development projects. Civil conflicts, corruption, and governance issues in regions such as the Sahel and Horn of Africa have hindered the completion of critical infrastructure and development initiatives (World Bank, 2023).

5.2 Opportunities

  1. Growing African Markets: Africa’s middle class is expanding rapidly, with the African Development Bank projecting that the middle class could reach 1.1 billion by 2060. This creates vast opportunities for trade and investment in consumer goods, education, healthcare, and digital technologies (AfDB, 2023).

  2. Digital Transformation: Africa’s digital economy is expected to reach $712 billion by 2050, fueled by mobile technology, fintech innovations, and e-commerce (World Bank, 2023). India and Japan, with their expertise in digital infrastructure and services, are well-positioned to support Africa’s digital transformation through technology transfer, skills training, and partnerships with African governments.

  3. Renewable Energy Potential: Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources, yet it accounts for just 1% of installed solar capacity (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2023). India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Japan’s investments in geothermal and hydropower offer significant opportunities to support Africa’s transition to renewable energy. By investing in green energy projects, India and Japan can help African countries meet their energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.

 

6. Conclusion

India and Japan’s partnership in Africa, particularly through the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, provides a model for development cooperation that prioritizes sustainability, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. This collaborative approach emphasizes the alignment of initiatives with Africa’s long-term developmental goals, as articulated in Agenda 2063. Despite challenges such as geopolitical competition and funding constraints, the complementary strengths of India and Japan offer significant opportunities for positive change in Africa.

Key areas such as infrastructure development, human resource capacity building, peace and security, and climate resilience are at the core of this partnership, and the impact of their efforts is being felt across the continent. By continuing to foster triangular cooperation, maintaining a people-centered approach, and promoting inclusive economic growth, India and Japan can enhance Africa’s agency in global affairs and contribute to a more equitable international order.

 

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About the Author:

Arpan Nautiyal is a research scholar currently pursuing a PhD with a focus on India-Japan relations at Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand. He is currently working as a researcher at Indic Researchers Forum.

Note:

The article reflects the opinion of the author and not necessarily the views of the organisation.

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