UPSC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : Africa At The Centre

Source: Indian Express

• Prelims: Current events of international importance, Global South, G20, GDP, African Union etc

• Mains GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global grouping involving India and Affecting India’s interests etc

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• President’s visit to Mauritius: “a close maritime neighbor, a cherished partner in the Indian Ocean Region, and a key player in our Africa outreach”.

• She inaugurated 14 community development projects and the laying of the foundation stone for a forensic science laboratory, all with Indian assistance.

INSIGHTS ON THE ISSUE

Context

Global South:

• The Global South is a term often used to identify regions within Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

• It is one of a family of terms, including “*Third World” and “Periphery“, that denote regions outside Europe and North America.*

• Economies not fully developed: Global South is used to describe countries whose economies are not yet fully developed and which face challenges such as low per capita income, excessive unemployment, and a lack of valuable capital.

• Located in tropics: Although the majority of Global South countries are indeed located in the tropics or Southern Hemisphere, the term itself is strictly economic.

• Australia is “down under” but not part of the Global South.

Importance of Africa:

• Africa’s significant growth rate of 8 percent.

• Its young population, with 60 percent under the age of 25, It is estimated to reach 1 billion people by 2040.

• It is estimated to reach 1 billion people by 2040.

Opportunities in Africa :

• The potential for economic partnerships is immense. Indian investments in Africa reached $98 billion in 2023, with trade totalling $100 billion.

• Indian investments in Africa reached $98 billion in 2023, with trade totalling $100 billion.

• Forty-two African countries are the second-largest recipients of all credit extended by India. Around 200 developmental projects have been completed in the region.

• Around 200 developmental projects have been completed in the region.

• Indian social enterprises and NGOs are exporting low-cost, scalable solutions, from eco-friendly houses to rural women solar engineers.

• Africa’s influence in global forums will be important for India’s vision for global governance. As Africa houses three-fourths of humanity and over 39 percent of the global GDP There’s a call to reform existing structures towards a more inclusive system focused on development. India’s advocacy for the African Union in the G20 has found resonance.

• As Africa houses three-fourths of humanity and over 39 percent of the global GDP

• There’s a call to reform existing structures towards a more inclusive system focused on development.

• India’s advocacy for the African Union in the G20 has found resonance.

• Cooperation in the critical minerals sector. To build solar panels and batteries necessary for a low-carbon future access to minerals classified as “critical”, “transition” or “green” is key. Africa has 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, and is vital to power the energy transition.

• To build solar panels and batteries necessary for a low-carbon future

• access to minerals classified as “critical”, “transition” or “green” is key.

• Africa has 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, and is vital to power the energy transition.

• Given the geographical concentration of critical minerals, diversifying sources and fostering strategic partnerships with resource-rich nations are imperative for India’s growth and national security.

India-Africa:

Way Forward

• As India prepares for International Energy Agency terms “the dawn of a new industrial age: convergence of India’s supply chain diversification and Africa’s desire to capture the value chain introduces avenues for cooperation.

• India’s longstanding commitment to education and capacity building in Africa India could revamp existing collaborations or establish new ones with African technical organizations. This would bolster negotiation skills, training in project management, and devising industry-specific technical courses.

• India could revamp existing collaborations or establish new ones with African technical organizations.

• This would bolster negotiation skills, training in project management, and devising industry-specific technical courses.

• Indian research institutes engaging with Africa’s research community can facilitate the creation of solutions to address Global South challenges.

• As India’s aspirations for the Global South take shape, leveraging historical partnerships with African countries remains imperative.

• A Punjabi farmer who relocated to Ethiopia to invest in agriculture resonates: “If you ask me why I moved, it’s obvious. Africa is the future.”

• To truly represent the South: It is essential to grasp the mood and changes in Africa, especially in its external partnerships. This will determine the contribution India can make to advance the African agenda.

• This will determine the contribution India can make to advance the African agenda.

• India’s equity in Africa is older and richer than that of China and the U.S., but that should not be a source of uncritical satisfaction.

QUESTION FOR PRACTICE

The long sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalized nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate(UPSC 2019) (200 WORDS, 10 MARKS)