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

India will not attempt to sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with the African continent ‘for now’ and will instead prioritize trade relations with trade blocs and customs unions on the continent, officials said on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The information was shared by officials as preparations continue for the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), where a number of African heads of state and heads of government are expected to attend.

Instead of a continental trade agreement, India is deepening its relations with customs unions such as SACU (South African Customs Union), which allow duty-free movement of goods in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. India’s cumulative investment in Africa has reached $80 billion, making it one of the largest investors on the continent.

India-Africa trade relations will be the main focus of the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit. The summit, which was previously held in 2008, 2011 and 2015, returns after a break of more than ten years. Officials blamed the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic as one of the main reasons that prevented the summit from being planned earlier.

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

The summit, which will start on May 28 and continue until May 31, will include business, culture, security and defense topics. In addition to the leaders’ summit, separate sessions are planned for the Foreign Ministers of the participating countries.

Hindu Agriculture, energy and critical minerals are said to be the focus as India and Africa deal with energy and fertilizer shortages caused by war in West Asia. Officials stated that India will also emphasize its security and defense ties with the continent during the summit. The presence of 5,000 peacekeepers in African conflict hotspots such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan will also be highlighted.

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