Ahmedabad: During the recently-concluded India-Africa Business Conclave (2^nd Edition) organized by Global India Business Forum (GIBF) at Ahmdedabad, Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel and the Cabinet Minister of Industries, Civil Aviation, Rural Development, Labour and Employment in the Government of Gujarat, Shri Balvantsinh Rajput, appreciated GIBF’s efforts.

Shri Patel said that he appreciated the endeavours adopted your reputed organization to develop strategic and trade relationship between Africa and India, especially the role of Gujarat within it. He added that these efforts will become a medium for the strategic relations between African countries and Gujarat to attain new heights and steady development on both sides adhering to good friendship and promising a path of cooperation in both international and regional affairs.

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. Ambassadors, High Commissioners and other 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, and GIBF organized the second one that once again proved to be a resounding success.

The African countries of Angola, Algeria, Botswana, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe had participated in the Conclave. The diplomats included – H. E. Mr. Haymandoyal (Dev) Dillum, CSK – High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to the Republic of India, H.E. Clemente Pedro Francisco Camenha – Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the Republic of India, H. E.  Mr. Gilbert Shimane Mangole – High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Republic of India, H.E. Mr. Raymond Serge Bale – Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to the Republic of India,  H. E. Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh – High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to the Republic of India, Amb. Munyiri Peter Maina – High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to the Republic of India, H.E. Gabriel Sinimbo – High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the Republic of India, H.E. Mrs. Hayet Talbi – Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to the Republic of India, H.E.  Prof. Ms. Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda – High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to the Republic India, H.E. Ms. Stella Nkomo – Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of India, Ms. Bizunesh Meseret Tegegne – Deputy Head of Mission, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of India, Mr. Abbas Abdullahi – Minister Counsellor, Head of Economic Trade and Consular at the Nigeria High Commission, Mr. Abdelali BOUILLOUTA – First Secretary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of India Mr. Ernest Nana Adjei – Minister-Counsellor, Political and Economic of the Republic of Ghana to the Republic of India, Mr. Gebru Teklay – Second Secretary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Republic of India, Mr. Gabriel ITOUA – Economic Counsellor of the Republic of Congo to the Republic of India, Mr. Thabang Linus Kholumo – Charge d’ Affairs a.i. of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Republic of India, Emile Mwepsei – Deputy High Commissioner and Second Counsellor of the Republic of Rwanda to the Republic of India, H.E. Percy P. Chanda – High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of India, Mr. Julius Tsheko – Director, International Business for India and Asia at Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and Trade Attaché at Botswana High Commission in New Delhi, Jared Bironga Mayeika – Trade Counsellor of the Republic of Kenya to the Republic of India, Ms. Ireen Akombelwa Apuleni – First Secretary, Economic and Trade, Republic of Zambia to the Republic of India, and Mr. Peter Hobwani – Deputy Head of Mission, Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of India. Mrs. Bharati Dillum – the Secretary of the spouse of African Head of Mission of the Republic of Mauritius, Agaba Arthur (Research Assistant of Uganda High Commissioner) were also present. 

On 19^th July the GIBF took the diplomats for a visit to Sabarmati Ashram in the morning. In the evening a business networking dinner was organized for the title sponsors, and other sponsors along with some esteemed companies invited by GIBF for interacting and networking with the ambassadors. 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.

The Conclave on 20^th July was inaugurated by the diplomats and the GIBF team that included its Founder and Global President, Dr. Jitendra Joshi and Co-founder and Secretary General, Deepali Gadkari. Dr. 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. The 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” Dr. Joshi said.

He added, “The purpose of this Conclave is to take the bilateral trade between India and the African countries to the next level, thus enhancing the economies of all the participating countries, helping businesses of both the countries to grow further and to generate employment for the youth. The relationship between India and Africa is not just a diplomatic or economic one; it is a partnership deeply rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and a vision for a prosperous future. Our collaboration spans diverse sectors, including trade, technology, agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Today, we are here to further strengthening these bonds, explore new avenues of cooperation, and drive sustainable growth for both regions,” Dr. Joshi said.

The diplomats gave presentations on the vast pool of opportunities in their respective countries for foreign investors and the government’s policies for foreign investors.

The event was followed by panel discussion and B2B meetings. The business leaders from various sectors had productive discussions with the African diplomats and African business leaders during the B2B meeting.

The chief minister extended his heartiest best wishes to the GIBF team for a bright future and strong bonding ahead.

Shri Rajput, while congratulating GIBF said that he was glad to know that the event has business-related dialogues, B2B meetings, networking, panel discussion, one-to-one discussions with African ambassadors, participation of 16 African countries and more than 400 MSMEs.