India and Africa Seek Harmonization in Trade Standards and Customs Procedures

India and Africa Look to Boost Bilateral Trade through Standardization

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday emphasized the need for aligning standards and customs procedures between India and Africa to boost bilateral trade. Speaking at a curtain raiser event for the forthcoming India-Africa Business Dialogue (IABD) and Exhibition, Goyal highlighted the immense opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), valued at nearly USD 3.4 trillion, and India's rapidly expanding USD 4 trillion economy.

Goyal emphasized the need to build upon existing trade ties and preferential trade frameworks by aligning standards, customs procedures, and business practices to facilitate faster and smarter growth for businesses on both sides. This alignment is expected to create resilient partnerships, diversify supply chains, and move beyond raw material trade towards higher-value manufacturing and integrated value chains.

Key sectors identified for boosting cooperation between India and Africa include renewable energy, green hydrogen, green ammonia, electric mobility, digitalization, and telecommunications. As the two regions look to strengthen their trade ties, the potential for growth is substantial.

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Bilateral Trade Statistics

India's bilateral trade with Africa reached USD 93.69 billion in 2025-26, marking a 14.39 percent growth over the preceding year. India's exports to Africa stood at USD 45.42 billion, while imports reached USD 48.27 billion during the same period.