By Reneska Moodley
The 4th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit convened top business minds from India and Africa in Mauritius, underscoring the dynamic partnership between the two continents. Organised by Mr. Baljinder Sharma, the gathering highlighted its increasing significance and impact. The highlight of the day one event, held at the Royal Green Wellness Resort in Moka was the keynote address by Shri. Suresh Prabhu, former Minister of Civil Aviation of India. He captivated the audience with his blend of humour, humility, and profound insights into India’s economic journey.
Shri. Prabhu opened his speech with a playful remark about his introduction, humorously hoping it hadn’t painted an overly grand picture of his capabilities. Acknowledging the diverse audience, which included many who have significantly shaped India’s development and numerous friends from Africa familiar with India’s dynamics, he set the stage for an engaging dialogue.
Drawing on a metaphor from Swami Vivekananda, Shri. Prabhu illustrated the concept of destiny. He spoke of a sheep tied to a tree, content with the grass within its reach, unaware that it could expand its horizons by simply standing up and moving. This anecdote underscored the idea that while our destinies may seem fixed, our efforts can broaden our potential and achievements.
The former Minister praised the value of offsite events for pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities, thanking Mr. Sharma for his continued efforts in organising such impactful gatherings. He noted the high return attendance rate, affirming the event’s growing importance.
Reflecting on the evolution of perceptions about India over the past 25 years, Shri. Prabhu highlighted how the narrative has shifted from negativity to global interest. He recounted how discussions about India once often evoked skepticism, but today, the world sees India as a burgeoning economic powerhouse.
Delving into why India is viewed as both a current and future economic leader, Shri. Prabhu emphasised sustainable and inclusive growth. During his tenure as Commerce and Industry Minister, he crafted a vision for a $5 trillion economy, focusing on strategic growth in industry, services, and agriculture. His strategies included modernising traditional industries and nurturing new sectors like genomics and drones.
He outlined initiatives in services, identifying twelve champion sectors to boost exports, and detailed a comprehensive agriculture strategy, including an agriculture export policy. The district-led growth model, piloted in six districts with plans from IIM Ahmedabad, aimed to enhance local purchasing power, thereby driving broader economic growth.
Shri. Prabhu highlighted India’s unique growth model, driven by private enterprise rather than state control, fostering a dynamic and innovative business environment. He emphasised that entrepreneurship and private initiatives are crucial to transforming India’s future.
Concluding his address, Shri. Prabhu underscored the importance of leveraging such events to break traditional boundaries, expand business horizons, and enhance networking opportunities. He expressed strong confidence in India’s future, buoyed by the collective efforts of its people and the entrepreneurial spirit.
The event was a celebration of collaboration and innovation, showcasing the achievements of Indian and African leaders, highlighting future growth prospects, and reinforcing the importance of inclusive and sustainable development.
