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Paper short abstract:

Indian actors provide much-needed investment and capital, but Indo-African connections represent a further diversification of Africa’s international relations. The key issue is how can African leaders seek to leverage newfound Indian interest in Africa.

Paper long abstract:

India's rise in Africa has been largely overlooked, despite the important implications of the growing presence of Indian corporations and a rise in New Delhi's political connections with the continent. Not only are Indian actors providing much-needed investment and capital, but Indo-African connections represent a further diversification of Africa's international relations. Additionally, Indian activity in Africa may be said to constitute a middle ground between China's "hands off" stance and the intrusive conditionalities associated with the West. African governments could use the opportunity of an increased Indian corporate presence in Africa as sources of appropriate technology, skills and advice for economic development. The key issue is how can African leaders seek to leverage newfound Indian investment and interest in Africa so that Africa's place in global trade networks becomes more proactive and beneficial to the continent's citizens.