Bengaluru, NFAPost: The India–Africa Trade Conference 2026 brought together key dignitaries, policymakers, investors and business leaders to enhance trade and investment cooperation between India and African nations, with a special focus on the Republic of Chad.
The conference was graced by the presence of Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to India Ildjima Badda Mallot, who reflected on the deepening diplomatic and economic engagement between the two countries.
“There is a lot of potential for trade and investment opportunities for Indian in Chad. We are expecting to be part of the growth journey of India and further enhancing citizen-to-citizen relationships,” said Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to India Ildjima Badda Mallot.
She highlighted growing importance in science and technology, skilling, engineering, agriculture, food processing, fisheries and animal husbandry, mining, hydrocarbon, etc. India-Chad bilateral trade in early 2025 shows growing, yet unbalanced, economic ties, with India registering a trade surplus. As of early 2025, India primarily exports pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods, while importing raw cotton and agricultural products.
Distinguished guests at the event included Honorary Trade Commissioner of the India Africa Trade Council (IATC) Babu Attica and United Diplomatic Council President Dr Asif Iqbal, who led key discussions aimed at fostering stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Honorary Trade Commissioner of the India Africa Trade Council (IATC) and Chairman of Attica Gold Company Bommanahalli Babu said Africa, especially, offers multimillion-dollar business opportunities for the Indian business community.
“We have a historical connection with the whole African continent. Also, India is working very closely with Chad. My company itself made a few investments in Chad, which we want to further increase soon,” said Honorary Trade Commissioner of the India Africa Trade Council (IATC) and Chairman of Attica Gold Company Bommanahalli Babu.
The conference served as a vital platform to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in sectors crucial to Chad’s growth. Notably, a growing number of Indian and international investors have expressed strong interest in entering Chad’s pharmaceuticals and education sectors, recognising the country’s emerging potential and demand for quality infrastructure and services.
In a significant milestone highlighting sustained engagement, the India Africa Trade Council (IATC) had previously hosted the President of the Republic of Chad and an official delegation in the United Arab Emirates last year.
During this visit, IATC also facilitated a high-level Indian business and trade delegation, enabling direct dialogue, partnerships, and investment opportunities between stakeholders from both nations.
Further strengthening bilateral cooperation, last month, India’s SCO Trade Council Chairman and Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SPSAMCHRC)
Chairman Dr A N Srinivasan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Chad in the field of education, marking a key step toward long-term collaboration in capacity building and knowledge exchange.
Speaking at the function, India SCO Trade Council Chairman and Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SPSAMCHRC) Chairman Dr A N Srinivasan said there is more scope for strengthening bilateral trade with the Republic of Chad.
“These include collaboration in traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda and integrative healthcare), capacity building through academic exchange programs, establishment of Ayurvedic wellness and research centres, export of herbal formulations and medicinal products, skill development in paramedical and therapeutic practices, and joint initiatives in public health outreach,” said India SCO Trade Council Chairman and Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SPSAMCHRC) Chairman Dr A N Srinivasan.
Additionally, India SCO Trade Council Chairman and Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SPSAMCHRC) Chairman Dr A N Srinivasan also said there is avenues for collaboration in agricultural cultivation of medicinal plants, technology transfer in herbal processing, and participation in international health diplomacy initiatives are envisaged.
“These efforts aim to create a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership aligned with both nations’ developmental priorities,” said India SCO Trade Council Chairman and Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SPSAMCHRC) Chairman Dr A N Srinivasan .
Expressing happiness over the grand success of the event, Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) Vice President – Global Partnership Wali Kashvi said the India–Africa Trade Conference 2026 catalysed impactful partnerships, promoted cross-border investments, and position Chad as a strategic gateway for Indian enterprises seeking to expand across Africa.
“India-Africa bilateral trade reached over $100 billion and is growing by 17% year-on-year. It has taken India to become the fourth-largest trading partner for Africa. Key sectors of this growth journey include energy, pharmaceuticals, and technology, with India importing mainly crude oil and minerals and exporting refined petroleum, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals,” said Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) Vice President – Global Partnership Wali Kashvi.
The India–Africa Trade Conference is a premier platform dedicated to enhancing economic collaboration between India and African nations through dialogue, partnerships, and policy engagement.
