The next chapter of South-South cooperation can be written by India and Zimbabwe: V-P for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s vice president, Gen (Retd) CGDN Chiwenga, stated during a speech in New Delhi on Wednesday that India and Zimbabwe can write the next great chapter of South-South cooperation. He emphasized that Africa provides markets, innovation, and resources to the world.

He was addressing at the CII India-Africa Business Conclave’s first session on “Synergies towards Co-Creating a Shared Future,” which was attended by over 1,600 participants from 64 countries, including 17 non-African nations.

He added, “Africa offers the world more than just resources, it brings markets, talent, and innovation.” “Together with India, Zimbabwe can write the next great chapter of South-South cooperation, demonstrating to the world that partnerships among developing nations can drive innovation, build industries, and create a more equitable, global economy,” he said.

He went on to say that Africa is positioned as a vital link in the global supply chain for innovative manufacturing and green technology because of its mineral resources. According to Chiwenga, Africa is home to some of the world’s youngest and most creative minds, as well as one of the fastest-growing populations.

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— August 28, 2025, CII International (@CII4Global)

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— CII International (@CII4Global) August 28, 2025

“Africa will have more than 2.5 billion people by 2050, which will fuel unprecedented levels of infrastructure development, industrialization, and consumer demand,” he said.

In this regard, he enumerated numerous prospects for India in Zimbabwe. “Zimbabwe offers a wealth of opportunities in mining and value addition, especially in lithium for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage; agriculture and food processing, food security; healthcare and pharmaceuticals; e-commerce, and infrastructure development,” he stated, referring to the country’s goal of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2030.

India and Africa are forging a solid alliance to jointly build a shared future based on trust and cooperation, according to Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, who attended the event.

“Today, we have not only created a vibrant, development cooperation together, but also committed to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Our shared emphasis on trust and transparency make India and Africa natural partners,” he said.

He said that by establishing IT centers, science and tech parks, and entrepreneur development centers, India has assisted African nations in fostering digital transformation. India is eager to share its expertise and experience to support Africa’s energy transition by implementing clean energy technologies quickly.

India and Africa have a common place in the Global South, have extremely deep historical ties, and are strengthening their ties across industries, according to CII President Rajiv Memani.