Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said that India and Africa can lead global growth and India looks at Africa as partner in progress. Addressing the CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership in New Delhi today, Mr Goyal said, India and Africa can work together to bring cost-effective solutions in several areas like drinking water, logistics, health care, education, Fintech, solar power among others. He said, the Narendra Modi Government accords highest priority to its Africa engagements. Mr Goyal said, India's ties with Africa are based on trust, friendship and deep understanding of each other's requirements. He said, the ties are based on shared history, trade ties and love for cinema. The Minister said, India deeply recognises the contribution of Africa in shaping the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. He said, India working to lead the developing world out of food insecurity.<br />''<br />''Mr Goyal said, efforts are being made to take quality life to the people of India and Africa. He said, the deep friendship can best be demonstrated by by continuous engagement through the COVID period. The Minister said, our effort to work as a grouping of developing nations was evident at WTO Ministerial Meet where India became the voice of developing and less developed countries. He said, we achieved the relevance of the multilateral trading systems and protected our future growth imperatives.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Mr Goyal said, together India and Africa can solve several global issues. He said, People, Business, Trade and Government are the four pillars of the engagement. The Minister said, there is an Indian diaspora presence in 46 African countries. He said, India is among top five investors in Africa. Mr Goyal said, Africa is India's 4th largest trading partner. He said, merchandise trade grew by 34 per cent from 67 billion dollars in 2019-20 to 89 billion dollars in 2021-22. The Minister said, in terms of the Government-to-Government engagement, India's e-VidyaBharati & e-ArogyaBharati initiative supporting education and health care in Africa. He said, in the post-COVID world, Indian knowledge in health care and education will help deepen engagement with Africa. Mr Goyal said, there are four areas that can help fulfill the aspirations of India and Africa. He said, Solar power will help bring clean energy, energy security, jobs to Africa, Defence Trade, Physical and Digital infrastructure and Co-creating startup ecosystem. The Minister said, India has created the world's third largest startup ecosystem. He said, India can help co-create similar system in various African nations.</span><br />