Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi
Chief Guest and Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs

Africa and India are complementary partners bound by history and shared aspiration. Africa’s demographic dividend and resource wealth align with India’s skilled manpower and institutional capacity. Through collaboration in renewable energy, digital payments, education, skill development and joint ventures, we can shape a dignified and forward looking partnership. Our civilisational ties precede modern globalisation; the moment calls for cooperation grounded in mutual respect and long term vision.

H.E. Mr. Ambassador Mohamed Maliki
Ambassador of the Embassy of The Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of African Diplomatic Corps

Africa First reflects a welcome prioritisation within India’s strategic outlook. As we approach the next India–Africa Summit, this is an appropriate moment to assess achievements and address gaps. Africa seeks partnership founded on equality rather than dependency. India has demonstrated reliability, yet ambition must now be matched by implementation. Progress will depend on converting dialogue into delivery and measurable outcomes.

H.E. Mr. Gilbert Shimane Mangole
High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana

The discussions at Africa First provide a constructive foundation for enhanced cooperation between India and Botswana. Africa welcomes investors prepared to build sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships. With alignment between policy support and private capital, deliberations can evolve into tangible projects. We look forward to translating this engagement into measurable investment outcomes that strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Mr Sayantan Chakravarty
Director, Africa First and Editor in Chief, India Empire (Organiser)

Africa First was conceived on the conviction that shared growth strengthens both regions. Hosted at Niryat Bhawan in partnership with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, the event convened ambassadors, high commissioners, business leaders and participants from across Africa. The enthusiasm demonstrated a clear appetite for structured engagement. Building on this momentum, we look forward to advancing the next edition with expanded participation and sharper strategic focus.

Mr Arvind Goenka
Regional Chairman—Northern Region, Federation of Indian Export Organisations

Africa is a natural destination for Indian exports, supported by geographic proximity, freight advantages and comparable demographic scale. The presence of ambassadors, diplomats and trade representatives at Africa First underscores seriousness of intent. Deeper trade and investment engagement is both feasible and necessary. If dialogue translates into structured follow through, this initiative can significantly strengthen bilateral commerce and durable economic linkages.

Mr Nitesh Mishra
Deputy Director General, Federation of Indian Export Organisations

Africa is increasingly recognised as the next major growth destination, and India must proactively expand bilateral trade and investment flows. Africa First advances this objective by connecting industry stakeholders across tourism, culture, hospitality and strategic sectors. Structured engagement platforms such as this enable businesses to identify credible opportunities and build confidence in new markets, strengthening India–Africa socio economic cooperation.

Mr Utpal Gandhi
Chief Business Officer, Amnex Infotechnologies

Africa represents one of the defining growth frontiers of the coming decade, driven by youthful demographics, policy ambition and global integration. Africa First arrives at a decisive moment, aligning two complementary economies ready for deeper engagement. By convening stakeholders with strategic clarity, the platform creates meaningful pathways for collaboration. I commend India Empire for initiating a forum capable of transforming potential into structured and sustained India–Africa partnership.

Mr Ashwini Shami
EVP & Portfolio Manager, OmniScience Capital

As India progresses toward a multi trillion dollar economy, exports will anchor its growth trajectory. With global trade realignments underway, diversification into emerging markets is imperative, and Africa presents a compelling opportunity. Africa First enables serious engagement by connecting investors, policymakers and enterprises within a strategic framework. Such platforms translate macroeconomic ambition into actionable partnerships, strengthening India’s long term export architecture.

Mr Jayant Borkar
Managing Partner, Valterra Corporate Advisors

India–Africa trade stands at approximately USD 100 billion, yet the scope for expansion remains substantial. Through my advisory work with companies active across African markets, I have seen how structured partnerships unlock scale and resilience. Africa First provides timely institutional focus, encouraging sustained engagement over episodic outreach. With decisive leadership and coordinated participation, this initiative can accelerate the next phase of bilateral economic growth.

Dr C K Ashok Kumar
Founder, First World Community

Networking remains central to modern enterprise, and Africa First successfully convened entrepreneurs, diplomats and industry leaders within a unified platform. From wellness and FMCG innovation to the sachet revolution that democratised consumption in India, inclusive business models can transform markets. Similar approaches hold relevance across Africa. Engagement must combine commercial opportunity with dignity, long term trust and people centred collaboration.

Dr Manoharan Krishna
Chief Advisor, Hazaa Naturaa Organica Africa

Africa and India share a deep historical and natural connection capable of underpinning modern enterprise. Africa’s resource wealth, combined with Indian technology, operational systems and marketing expertise, can generate globally competitive ventures. Structured value addition and disciplined market development are critical to unlocking this potential. Africa First reinforced the importance of integrated collaboration across finance, technology and entrepreneurship.

Dr Aman Agarwal
Director and Professor of Finance, Indian Institute of Finance

India and Africa are natural partners with complementary strengths and expanding trade engagement. India’s support for Africa’s inclusion in global platforms reflects long term commitment to collaboration. Pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, defence, education and finance present significant avenues for growth. By leveraging institutional experience and financial frameworks, India can contribute to sustainable development while deepening mutually beneficial commercial partnerships.

Mr Rajan Sehgal
Chairman, Public Relations Council, Travel Agents Association of India

Tourism is a powerful bridge between nations, strengthening cultural understanding while stimulating commercial engagement. Africa First highlighted how improved air connectivity, events, sports and destination weddings can deepen India–Africa relations. As mobility expands, tourism can serve as a strategic driver of bilateral cooperation. Continued institutional and industry support will be essential to sustain this momentum.

FIEO Member (Participant)

Attending Africa First provided valuable exposure to African market opportunities and international business practices. The convergence of diplomats, industry leaders and policy experts created a focused environment for practical learning and strategic networking. For entrepreneurs exploring cross border expansion, such platforms offer clarity, credibility and actionable insight, supporting informed decision making and long term growth.