India may not sign FTAs, to opt for deeper ties with customs unions in Africa, say officials

India will not attempt signing free trade agreements (FTA) with the African continent ‘as of now’, and will instead prioritise commercial ties with the trading blocs and customs unions in the continent, said officials here on Saturday (May 9, 2026). The information was shared by officials as preparations are under way for the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), where a number of African heads of state and heads of government are expected to attend.

In place of a continental trade pact, India is deepening engagement with customs unions such as the SACU (Southern African Customs Union), which allows duty-free movement of goods within Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. India’s cumulative investment in Africa has reached $80 billion, making it one of the major investors in the continent.

India-Africa trade relations will be a key focus during the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The summit which was previously held in 2008, 2011 and 2015, is returning after a gap of over a decade. Officials blamed the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the main reasons that prevented the summit from being scheduled earlier.

Indian officials have intensified engagements with African counterparts over the past weeks. Earlier this week, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) of the Ministry of External Affairs, met with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to discuss details of the IAFS-IV. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal visited Tanzania and Kenya between April 27 and May 1, 2026, to tie up plans for the summit.

The summit will begin on May 28 and will continue till May 31. It will include segments on business, culture, security and defence. Separate sessions are also being scheduled for the Foreign Ministers of the participating countries, along with a leaders’ summit.

The Hindu was told that agriculture, energy, and critical minerals will be in focus as India and Africa are dealing with energy and fertilizer disruptions caused by the war in West Asia. Officials indicated that India will also emphasise security and defence ties with the continent during the summit. The presence of 5,000 peacekeepers in Africa’s conflict hotspots, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, will also be highlighted.

The summit is expected to lead to “concrete outcomes” at the level of business initiatives, and a joint statement or a vision statement is also expected.