Q9. India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate. (10 Marks 150 Words)

Model Answer

In the digital era, India-Africa partnership has expanded beyond trade and aid to technology-driven collaboration, emphasizing mutual respect, co-development, and institution building. In this context, the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030) positions digital infrastructure and innovation at the center of its socio-economic agenda.

India Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect:

• Equal partnership model: Unlike exploitative models of big powers, India emphasizes capacity-building, technology transfer, and respect for African priorities.
  • E.g. Pan-African e-Network (2009): Provided tele-medicine and tele-education using Indian expertise via satellite and fibre-optic infrastructure.
• India’s Development Cooperation (through ITEC & concessional LoCs): Provides affordable solutions suited to African contexts, respecting local ownership. Various Diplomatic and Development Channels include:
  • Lines of Credit for digital infrastructure. 
  • IAFS (India-Africa Forum Summit) platforms promoting digital cooperation.
  • Participation in Smart Africa Alliance and Policy and Regulatory Initiative for Digital Africa (PRIDA).

India Africa digital partnership for co-development: 

• Digital Public Goods (DPGs): India shares platforms  which are low-cost, scalable, open-source DPIs like:

• Aadhaar (Digital ID): Adopted by Togo through IIIT-B collaboration.

• UPI (Payments Platform): Namibia signed an MoU with NPCI (2024); Ghana and Zambia are also engaging.

• CoWIN & DIKSHA: Potential for health and education systems in Africa.

• Agritech collaboration: Use of AI, drones, and GIS for precision farming and soil health monitoring—Indian expertise aiding African food security.
• Start-up Ecosystem: African startups collaborate with Indian firms in areas like fintech (M-Pesa inspired), e-health, and ed-tech.

Long-term institutional partnerships

• • G20 & Global South Platforms: India champions African digital needs (e.g., inclusion of African Union in G20, Digital Public Infrastructure agenda).
    Institutional Collaborations: Zambia’s Smart Government Initiative supported by IIIT-B.

• IIT-M Zanzibar Campus (2023): Offering courses in Data Science and AI.

• Integration with Indian private sector to fund scholarships and technical education.

• Digital Skilling: Initiatives like the India-Africa Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting and IT training centers foster human capital development.

Challenges

• Digital Divide: High cost of data, low device penetration, and gender gap in access across Africa.

• Sharp rural-urban disparities in connectivity. 

• • • There is a gender gap in mobile access and usage. Failure to address this could result in greater inequality for women across the continent 

• Energy Bottlenecks: Digital infrastructure requires reliable power, which is lacking in many African regions.

• Competition from Other Powers: China’s low-cost, infrastructure-heavy digital model is more attractive to some governments.

• The EU and U.S. also offer alternative frameworks with stronger financial backing.

• Scalability and Local Adaptation: One-size-fits-all Indian solutions may fail without localization and state involvement.

• Security & Data Sovereignty Concerns: African nations are increasingly sensitive to data privacy, sovereignty, and cyber risks.

Way Forward

• Co-development Over Technology Transfer: Shift from exporting Indian solutions to co-creating platforms with African stakeholders.

• Contextual Customization: Tailor DPI models to local needs, languages, and governance frameworks.

• Energy-Digital Nexus: Integrate digital plans with renewable energy investments for long-term sustainability.

• Institutional Partnerships: Scale successful models like IIT Zanzibar in other countries; build joint research centres and digital universities.

• Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Involve Indian startups, universities, civil society, and private sector in Africa-focused digital innovation.

• Respect for Digital Sovereignty: Position India as a partner that respects data autonomy, transparency, and citizen rights.

Conclusion

India’s digital diplomacy in Africa stands at a crucial juncture.By building long-term institutional partnerships and co-developing digital ecosystems, India-Africa digital cooperation can not only bridge divides but also empower nations for the digital age, marking a true partnership of equals in the Global South.

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