The India Africa Entrepreneurship Forum has unveiled Africa’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs of Indian Origin — a landmark recognition of the Indian-origin business leaders, innovators, and executives actively driving economic transformation across the African continent. Spanning more than a dozen African countries, from Kenya and Ghana to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Mauritius, Madagascar, and beyond, the publication puts faces and names to a commercial relationship that has quietly reshaped Africa’s development story for generations — and is now entering its most consequential chapter yet.
The unveiling comes as part of the 6th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit, convening in Cape Town from 13 to 15 July 2026. India-Africa bilateral trade has grown exponentially from $7 billion in 2001 to over $98 billion in 2023, positioning India among Africa’s top five trading partners. Indian cumulative investments in Africa exceed $75 billion, spanning telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and agriculture. The Indian diaspora in Africa — numbering approximately three million today — represents generations of entrepreneurs, professionals, and community builders who have become integral to African socio-economic life.
Among the 100 recognised are Chetan Chug – Chairman of Winmart and SOMIKA Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Dr. Manu Chandaria, CEO of the Comcraft Group in Kenya; Vimal Shah, Chairman of Bidco Africa; Nasim Mohamed Devji, Group CEO of Diamond Trust Bank Group; Adil Popat, Executive Chairman of Simba Corporation; Narendra Raval, Managing Director of Devki Group; Gopal Vasu, CEO of M&G Pharmaceuticals Limited in Ghana; Dr Swarup Mishra of Mediheal Group; Ashok Ramchand Mohinani, Chairman of Mohinani Group in Ghana; and Anil Carrim Currimjee, Chairman of the Currimjee Group in Mauritius — one of the island’s most storied and diversified conglomerates, with roots dating back to 1884. Together, they represent the extraordinary breadth of Indian-origin enterprise across the continent
Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO, said: “For more than two millennia, the Indian presence in Africa has been defined by resilience, enterprise, and an enduring spirit of partnership. From the early traders who journeyed with the monsoon winds to today’s innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals, and public leaders, people of Indian origin have played an integral role in shaping Africa’s development story. Their accomplishments reflect not only individual excellence but also the shared values of hard work, integrity, and inclusivity that characterise the Global Indian Diaspora. The distinguished individuals featured in this publication embody the very essence of that mission. Their influence extends beyond business and governance; they help shape a vision of shared prosperity that unites two of the world’s most dynamic regions. May this publication inspire younger generations to carry forward this legacy of innovation, service, and global citizenship, and may it further reinforce the enduring partnership between our peoples.”
M.R. Rangaswami, Founder of Indiaspora, said: “As Africa emerges as a frontier of innovation and India continues its ascent as a global knowledge hub, the synergies between the two are unprecedented. The diaspora, with its deep local insights and global perspective, serves as a natural connector, advancing trade, innovation, and sustainable development. The individuals featured in this directory embody the best of both worlds: India’s spirit of enterprise and Africa’s boundless potential. They represent the human connection that transforms commerce into collaboration and investment into impact. Through their leadership across key sectors — from technology and healthcare to agriculture, energy, and education — they are catalysing opportunities that extend beyond borders, touching lives and shaping destinies. Our shared future will be built not just through policy or trade, but through people who believe in the power of connection, compassion, and collective progress.”
The 6th India-Africa Entrepreneurship & Investment Summit will convene government leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators across three days of high-level dialogue and deal-making, with a focus on trade integration and AfCFTA linkages, digital economy and fintech, agriculture and agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and health services, renewables and green industrialisation, and infrastructure and skills development.
