A joint publication of CII and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the report was released on 28 October, 2015 at the India - Africa Business Forum held in New Delhi.
Africa and India have had a rich distinguished history, first ushered by Indian traders led by the seasonal monsoon winds before they upscaled their presence in the 17th century due to the abundance of spices on the East African coast. The colonial period brought with it a new demand for Indian labour. Today, the relationship is vibrant and multi-layered. It is one of equal partners focused on prosperity and a quest for mutually beneficial economic development. The result is that annual trade between India and Africa stands at US$ 75 billion making India the third largest trading partner of Africa. The data in this publication bears testimony to the depth and breadth of the sectors that Africa and India place the greatest levels of engagement.