Why Africa is looking to West Bengal: Kolkata conference explores new trade, investment ties

The event was inaugurated by Tapas Roy, Minister-in-Charge Department of Industries, Commerce and Enterprises, Government of West Bengal, and also featured a cultural presentation showcasing the city’s biggest festival, Durga Puja, through a dance-drama for the visiting foreign delegates.

Tapas Roy, Minister-in-Charge Department of Industries, Commerce and Enterprises, Government of West Bengal, said, "Bharat Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with both Government of West Bengal and Government of India, and has, in its own way, been a part of India's journey of economic and industrial progress."

West Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy addressing the event. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Zimbabwe participated in the conference as Country Partners.

The event brought together government representatives, diplomats and business stakeholders to discuss trade, investment and business opportunities between India and African countries.

Kwasi Agyemang Gyan-Tutu, Minister, Investment and Tourism, High Commission of Ghana, said, "We should not forget the roots and the focus. There are some interesting interventions and developments that I'm seeing, which I think we all should take note of."

Representatives from the African diplomatic missions in India included Stella Nkomo, Ambassador of Zimbabwe; Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, High Commissioner of Nigeria; Dr Malemda Kamele, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Togo; and Kwasi Agyemang Gyan-Tutu, Minister, Investment and Tourism, High Commission of Ghana, along with other officials.

Naresh Pachisia, president of the Bharat Chamber of Commerce said, "On behalf of Bharat Chamber of Commerce, it gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the Inaugural Session of the International Conference on 'Africa-India Business Linkage', organised by our Chamber in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India."

The conference highlighted the growing scope of India-Africa cooperation across sectors including trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, digitalisation, defence and skills. Bilateral trade between India and Africa reached US$81.99 billion in 2024-25, while India’s cumulative investment in Africa was estimated at around US$80 billion between 1996 and 2025.

Tapas Roy, Minister-in-Charge Department of Industries, Commerce and Enterprises, Government of West Bengal, lighting the lamp as part of the inaugural conference of Africa-India business linkage. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

"We are particularly grateful to the MEA for accepting the Chamber's proposal to showcase, in this part of the country, the immense business opportunities offered by Africa-an emerging hub of global economic growth and highlight the immense opportunities that our State, West Bengal can offer to the African countries," Pachisia added.

The Bharat Chamber of Commerce established its Africa Desk in 2019 to promote business engagement with African countries.

The Chamber has since organised several programmes, including B2B and B2C interactions, with the participation of African ambassadors and high commissioners.

Dr Malemda Kamele, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Togo added, "I've come to understand that language has been a significant barrier in business partnerships between India and Africa. I believe that we now must break this barrier to build a strong partnership. This meeting has come at just the right time, as our countries need to collaborate more closely and enable south-south business and trade to support our economies."

The Chamber also proposed measures including direct maritime feeder lines between Kolkata and Haldia and African ports, streamlined business visa procedures, digital customs systems and mutual recognition mechanisms for pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods.

The conference aimed to identify business opportunities and sectors with growth potential, while discussing the barriers that companies from West Bengal and Eastern India may face in expanding their presence in African markets.

(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)