Africa must not be just source of raw materials – Modi

Africa should not be looked upon as just a source of raw materials, but also serve as a value creation hub, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Windhoek, Namibia on Wednesday.

Addressing the Namibian parliament during a state visit to the country, the Indian leader said New Delhi values the continent’s role in world affairs. 

“We believe that Africa must not be just a source of raw materials,” Modi said. “Africa must lead in value creation and sustainable growth. That is why we fully support Africa’s Agenda 2063 for industrialization.”

Agenda 2063 is a 50-year blueprint that was adopted by the African Union in 2013 to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in the continent. 

The Indian leader pointed out that he had laid out ten principles of the South Asian nation’s engagement with Africa in 2018. “They are based on respect, equality, and mutual benefit,” Modi said.

The Indian prime minister added that New Delhi is ready to expand cooperation on defense and security with the continent. He also expressed India’s willingness to work for the progress of Africa, as it had done during its presidency of the G-20 when the African Union was made a permanent member of the grouping.

Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit Namibia in 27 years, was conferred with the country’s highest civilian award on Wednesday.

In his address to the Namibian parliament, Modi called on the two countries to work for the betterment of the Global South. “We seek not to compete, but to cooperate,” he added. “Our goal is to build together. Not to take, but to grow together.”

India is looking to import uranium and other critical minerals from Namibia as a part of a broader effort to strengthen trade ties with the country.