India–Africa Strategic Partnership Meet at Bharat Electricity Summit
At the Bharat Energy Summit 2026, the India–Africa Strategic Partnership Meet emerged as a key highlight, bringing together an influential gathering of ministers, ambassadors, senior policymakers, and global energy leaders. The high-level engagement underscored a shared commitment to deepening cooperation between India and African nations in the power and energy sector, with a focus on sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and long-term strategic partnerships.
The session commenced with a welcome address by Jitendra Srivastava, Chairman & Managing Director of REC Limited, who highlighted India’s growing role as a trusted partner in global energy development. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges such as energy access, grid modernization, and financing of large-scale infrastructure projects. His remarks set the tone for a forward-looking dialogue centered on mutual growth and innovation.
This was followed by a strategic context-setting session led by the leadership of NTPC Limited and Africa50. Their perspectives provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving global energy landscape, highlighting the immense potential for India–Africa cooperation in renewable energy, transmission infrastructure, and capacity building. They also stressed the importance of blended finance models and public-private partnerships in accelerating project implementation across emerging markets.
The event featured keynote addresses from prominent Indian leaders, including the Hon’ble Union Minister of Power, Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, and the Hon’ble Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik. Their addresses collectively emphasized India’s policy direction, reform initiatives, and commitment to fostering international cooperation in the energy domain. They also highlighted India’s achievements in expanding electricity access, scaling renewable energy capacity, and implementing digital solutions in power distribution.
The meet witnessed strong participation from African nations, including ministers from Mauritius and Malawi, along with ambassadors, high commissioners, and senior bureaucrats. Their presence reflected the growing interest among African countries in leveraging India’s expertise in power sector development. The engagement also included distinguished representatives from global organizations such as the World Bank Group, Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited, and the Africa Infrastructure Development Association, all of whom contributed valuable insights into financing, infrastructure planning, and regional integration.
A comprehensive overview of India’s power sector was presented by the Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority, outlining key milestones, policy frameworks, and technological advancements. The presentation highlighted India’s success in achieving near-universal electrification, expanding renewable energy capacity, and modernizing grid infrastructure. It also showcased scalable models and best practices that could be adapted by African nations based on their unique requirements.
The session further progressed into an interactive discussion involving representatives from African countries, officials from the Government of India, and the Government of Haryana. These deliberations focused on identifying concrete collaboration opportunities across areas such as generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy integration. Participants explored avenues for technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and joint project development.
Several African representatives shared brief remarks outlining their national priorities and ongoing initiatives in the power sector. They also highlighted specific areas where collaboration with India could yield significant benefits, including rural electrification, grid stability, and capacity building. These exchanges enabled a deeper understanding of the diverse energy needs across African countries and the potential for tailored partnerships.
The session was supported by Ernst & Young as the Knowledge Partner and Moderator, ensuring structured discussions and actionable outcomes. The platform proved instrumental in facilitating meaningful dialogue, allowing participants to align their strategic interests and explore mutually beneficial partnerships. It also emphasized the importance of institutional strengthening and skill development to support long-term sectoral growth.
Furthermore, the meet highlighted opportunities for Indian companies and state governments to expand their footprint in Africa through joint ventures and investment partnerships. The interaction between Indian state representatives and African leaders opened new pathways for collaboration, particularly in areas such as renewable energy deployment, smart grids, and energy efficiency initiatives.
Overall, the India–Africa Strategic Partnership Meet at the Bharat Energy Summit 2026 marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the power sector. It reinforced India’s position as a key partner in advancing energy security and infrastructure development across Africa. The discussions laid a strong foundation for future engagements, fostering a shared vision of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy systems that can drive economic growth and improve quality of life across both regions.