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The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) was delighted to lead a strong delegation of Strategic Partners to the 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave, held in New Delhi from 27–29 August 2025. Organised by Strategic Partner, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Conclave brought together ministers, senior officials, and business leaders from across Africa and India to strengthen partnerships, expand trade, and highlight new opportunities for collaboration.

The CWEIC delegation was led by Niro Cooke, Chair of CWEIC’s Sri Lanka Hub, with Radhika Ellepola, CWEIC’s Strategic Partnership Manager, also in attendance. Together they were joined by a strong group of Strategic Partners, including Lagos Free Zone, BDO LLP, Prime Atlantic, CHEC Port City Colombo, Government of Cameroon, Charltons Law, Rank Holdings, and CWEIC Singapore.

The three-day programme included ministerial plenaries, thematic panels, exhibitions, B2B networking sessions, and cultural events. Key themes reflected the growing India–Africa partnership, focusing on expanding trade and investment corridors, infrastructure development, digital transformation, skills and education linkages, healthcare and life sciences, and financing mechanisms.

Strategic Partner Participation

CWEIC and its delegation contributed across a wide range of sessions. At the invitation-only CEO’s Round Table, CWEIC’s Niro Cook joined senior representatives from BDO LLP Kenya, Lagos Freezone, and Prime Atlantic to discuss strategic investment opportunities. Lagos Freezone presented at the session on building smart supply chains, while the Government of Cameroon and CIPA led a well-attended Cameroon Country Session.

In a session dedicated to accelerating Africa’s digital future, Niro Cook underscored the opportunities for innovation and research. “Africa’s digital future is not being written tomorrow — it is being coded today by its youth,” he noted, highlighting the continent’s 400 million young people as the driving force of the next global digital economy. He also reminded delegates of the Commonwealth Advantage, observing that “doing business within the Commonwealth is 21% cheaper.”

Drawing attention to Africa’s rapid digital growth, he emphasised that “in 2012, Africa’s digital economy was US$30 billion. Today it is US$180 billion — and still accelerating.” With mobile payment platforms such as M-Pesa already processing nearly 25% of Kenya’s GDP, Cook stressed that Africa’s innovators require more than capital alone: “they need collaboration, infrastructure, and trust. Together, we can provide it.”

Networking & Bilateral Engagements

Alongside plenary sessions, CWEIC coordinated a busy programme of networking and bilateral engagements. Highlights included participation in the Malawi and Zimbabwe roundtables, a Strategic Partner networking reception, B2B matchmaking sessions, and the gala dinner on 28 August. These engagements provided Strategic Partners with direct access to senior representatives of African governments and Indian corporates exploring opportunities on the continent.

Looking Forward

The 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave once again demonstrated the power of convening governments and businesses under one roof to shape the future of trade and investment. For CWEIC and its Strategic Partners, it was an invaluable opportunity to showcase Commonwealth collaboration, highlight investment opportunities, and build bridges between African and Indian markets.

CWEIC looks forward to advancing these conversations, ensuring that the connections made in New Delhi translate into tangible outcomes for our Strategic Partners and the wider Commonwealth network.