**Executive Summary**
The India-Africa Strategic Partnership Meet was convened on March 21, 2026, during the Bharat Electricity Summit in New Delhi to deepen bilateral energy cooperation. Chaired by the Union Minister for Power, the meeting focused on transitioning from intent to action-oriented partnerships in renewable energy, grid modernization, and institutional capacity building. Key outcomes include a commitment to leveraging India’s developmental experience to support Africa’s energy access through investment-led collaboration and sustainable infrastructure.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Core Areas of Cooperation**
* **Renewable Energy:** Prioritizing the expansion of solar (including rooftops), wind energy, and hydro-solar integration.
* **Grid Infrastructure:** Focusing on grid modernization, interconnected systems, and the development of microgrids.
* **Energy Storage:** Advancing storage and flexibility solutions to ensure reliable power delivery.
* **Capacity Building:** Strengthening institutional frameworks and human resource development through technology transfer.
**Strategic Vision and Frameworks**
* **Global Connectivity:** Implementation of the "One Sun, One World, One Grid" vision for transformative global energy links.
* **Investment-Led Model:** Shifting focus from aid to bankable project development, private capital mobilization, and impact-driven investment.
* **Collaborative Initiatives:** Utilizing the International Solar Alliance and partnerships between entities like Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited.
* **Scalable Models:** Using India’s transition from an energy deficit to a surplus as a practical model for African electrification.
**Technological and Regional Focus**
* **Infrastructure Innovation:** Deploying smart metering and resilient transmission projects, such as the Kenya transmission initiative.
* **Rural Electrification:** Implementing low-cost solar solutions specifically for rural and remote areas.
* **State-Level Engagement:** Establishing partnerships through the state of Haryana focused on digital governance, energy management, and agricultural cooperation.
**Impact Analysis**
**African Nations and the African Union**
**Impact**
They gain access to affordable technology, improved grid reliability, and scalable models to bridge energy access gaps and drive long-term socio-economic transformation.
**Action Required**
Focus on developing bankable projects, prioritizing electrification in national agendas, and aligning with integrated planning frameworks.
**Indian Government and Power Utilities**
**Impact**
Positions India as a trusted strategic partner and technology provider, allowing for the export of proven expertise in renewable energy and grid management.
**Action Required**
Deepen engagement through structured, action-oriented partnerships and provide technical expertise via public-private partnership models.
**Financial Institutions and Private Investors**
**Impact**
Increased opportunities for private capital mobilization in resilient infrastructure and innovative financing for energy projects.
**Action Required**
Engage in new investment frameworks and public-private partnerships to deliver tangible infrastructure outcomes.
**Industry Leaders and Development Partners**
**Impact**
Creation of a collaborative ecosystem for technology transfer and the expansion of markets for energy-related products and services.
**Action Required**
Collaborate on human resource development and the deployment of decentralized energy systems like mini-grids and solar rooftops.
Key Entities Referenced
India-Africa Strategic Partnership: A collaborative framework focused on deepening engagement in renewable energy, grid modernization, and capacity building between India and African nations.
Bharat Electricity Summit 2026: The national-level summit that served as the platform for the India-Africa Strategic Partnership Meet to discuss global energy connectivity.
Ministry of Power: The nodal ministry of the Government of India responsible for convening the summit and leading bilateral energy cooperation initiatives.
Africa50: An infrastructure investment platform identified as a key partner for mobilising private capital and developing transmission projects across Africa.
International Solar Alliance: An initiative reaffirmed during the summit as a core vehicle for scaling solar solutions and technology transfer between India and Africa.
Ministry of Power
India -Africa Strategic Partnership Meet
Convened at Bharat Electricity Summit
Renewable Energy, Grid Modernization, Energy Storage &
Flexibility, and Institutional Capacity are areas for India-Africa
Cooperation, says Shri Manohar Lal
Posted On: 21 MAR 2026 1:52PM by PIB Delhi
An India - Africa Strategic Partnership Meet was convened on the third day (21.3.2026) of the Bharat
Electricity Summit 2026 at New Delhi today. The meeting was chaired by Shri Manohar Lal, Union
Minister for Power.
The meeting was attended by Shri Shripad Naik Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable
Energy, Shri Nayab Singh Saini Chief Minister of Haryana, Dr Jean Mathanga Minister of Energy and
Mining, Government of Malawi, Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, Ministers from several African
nations, leaders from the African Union and Africa50, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, representatives
from power utilities, financial institutions, development partners, and industry leaders.
The discussions reflected a clear and forward-looking vision that India and Africa would deepen their
engagement through a structured and action-oriented partnership, focused on delivering tangible
outcomes. The meeting reiterated that India and Africa would work closely in areas of renewable energy
expansion, development of interconnected grid systems, advancement of energy storage and flexibility
solutions, and capacity building through institutional strengthening. Emphasis was laid on leveraging
India’s proven experience and Africa’s growing potential to ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainableenergy access. Both sides also highlighted the importance of investment-led collaboration, technology
transfer, and public-private partnerships, aiming to build an inclusive, equitable, and future-ready energy
ecosystem that drives long-term socio-economic transformation.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Manohar Lal stated that power is crucial for driving economic growth,
ensuring dignity, and unlocking opportunities, and highlighted the vision of One Sun, One World, One
Grid as a transformative pathway for global energy connectivity.
The Minister extended a warm welcome to African partners and underscored the shared commitment to
achieving reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. He noted that India and Africa, representing nearly
one-third of the global population, share common aspirations for inclusive, equitable, and future-ready
development. Highlighting India’s journey from energy deficit to surplus and its rapid growth in
renewable energy, he stated that these experiences offer practical and scalable models for Africa. He cited
the collaboration between Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, including the Kenya
transmission project, as a strong example of how innovative financing, technical expertise, and public-
private partnerships can deliver resilient infrastructure.
Shri Manohar Lal outlined key areas of cooperation, including renewable energy expansion, grid
modernization, energy storage and flexibility, and capacity building with institutional strengthening.
Referring to initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to
deepening collaboration with Africa. He concluded by stating that India–Africa energy cooperation is not
transactional but transformational, rooted in co-creation, and reiterated India’s commitment as a trusted
partner in this shared journey.
Shri Shripad Naik emphasized that the India-Africa partnership must move from intent to action, Energy
access is reframed as a driver of economic transformation, not just infrastructure delivery. He underscored
the shared commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for all, as a foundation for
inclusive growth. He further noted that this partnership is guided by a vision that is inclusive, equitable,
and futuristic, aimed at creating long-term impact and empowering communities across both India and
Africa.
Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini affirmed Haryana’s commitment to sustainable good
governance, emphasizing effective irrigation water management as a cornerstone of progress. He said that
partnership, not dominance; cooperation, not competition should be the shared values for India and Africa.
He said that partnership between Haryana and African nations is built on pillars of energy management,
digital governance, and agricultural cooperation.Offering a global investment perspective, Mr. Alain Ebobissé, CEO, Africa50, stated that it is not aid that
we are seeking, we are seeking investment for impact and return. He highlighted that Africa is
increasingly focusing on bankable project development, transmission expansion, and private capital
mobilisation, supported by integrated planning and new investment frameworks.
Dr Jean Mathanga said that there is a need to bolster sustainable development and long-term economic
growth through renewable energy initiatives, including low-cost solar solutions for rural and remote areas,
wind energy projects, and a robust energy transition bearing the Indian footprint. She called for
prioritizing electrification, transmission infrastructure development, and cooperation on smart metering,
grids, and microgrids, aligning seamlessly with Africa's agenda for an inclusive power system. These
efforts promise multifaceted benefits such as enhanced energy security, access to minerals, and expanded
markets; for Africa, they deliver affordable technology and infrastructure, improved grid reliability,
electrification, and enduring partnerships, while complementing India's technological strengths with
Africa's vast resource potential to build secure and inclusive power systems.
India–Africa Strategic Partnership is cantered on building a collaborative and mutually beneficial
framework for sustainable growth, with a strong emphasis on energy, infrastructure, and capacity building.
It leverages India’s experience and capabilities as a model to support Africa’s evolving development
trajectory, particularly in electrification, renewable energy, and grid connectivity. Through institutions like
Africa50 and initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the partnership promotes investment,
technology transfer, and scalable solutions like solar rooftops, hydro-solar integration, mini grids and
decentralized energy systems. It also focuses on policy frameworks, public-private partnerships, and
human resource development to accelerate inclusive growth. Ultimately, the partnership aims to bridge
energy access gaps, enhance regional integration, and create long-term transformative impact across
African nations.
****
Dr Nimish Rustagi
Chief of Media and Communications
Ministry of Power
nimish.rustagi[at]nic[dot]in
NR/MD
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