Haryana Eyes Africa as Next Frontier for Trade, Energy and Agriculture
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini pitches India’s smallest-but-mighty state as a model partner for African nations at New Delhi’s Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, calling ties “heart to heart”
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made a strong case for deepening cooperation between his state and African countries at the India–Africa Strategic Partnership session of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Friday, casting Haryana not merely as an industrial hub but as a versatile partner across agriculture, energy, digital governance and skill development.
Addressing ministers and delegates from across the African continent, Saini struck a deliberately personal tone, saying the relationship between Haryana and Africa goes beyond “business to business” and is truly “heart to heart.” The summit, chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, also saw the participation of Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik.
Saini pointed to Haryana’s track record in power sector reform as a key selling point, crediting Manohar Lal — formerly Chief Minister of Haryana — with transforming the state’s electricity infrastructure. The state now claims 24-hour power supply in over 90 percent of its villages and has brought transmission losses down to around nine percent, figures the Chief Minister said Haryana is ready to share with African partners looking to improve their own energy systems.
On the agriculture front, Saini highlighted active engagements with Kenya and Tanzania, where Haryana farmers could help raise productivity through modern technology, improved seeds and irrigation management. He also flagged infrastructure and energy opportunities in Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda, and pointed to a cooperation framework with the Tanzania Investment Centre covering trade, fertilisers and energy.
Saini emphasised that Haryana — despite its relatively small geographical size — punches well above its weight, describing it as a leader in agriculture, manufacturing and youth-driven innovation. He noted that the state is likely the only one in India with a dedicated Department of Foreign Cooperation, which he personally heads, set up to drive global partnerships in trade, investment, cultural exchange and skill development.
Breaking down the African continent by region, Saini outlined tailored opportunities: agri-tech, irrigation and healthcare in East Africa; agribusiness and dairy value chains in West Africa; textiles, logistics and solar energy in North Africa; and multi-sector cooperation with Southern African economies including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
On climate and technology, he called for joint India-Africa action on renewable energy, water conservation and digital public services, and expressed confidence that the summit would mark “a new beginning of friendship, cooperation and shared success.”
Among those present were Dr Jean Mathanga, Malawi’s Minister of Energy and Mining; Rwanda’s High Commissioner Jacqueline Mukangira; Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50; and NTPC Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh.
