• Modi’s African tour marks first visit by an Indian head of government to Ghana in 30 years.
• These visits aim to boost economic, energy, defense, and strategic ties with Ghana and Namibia.
• India seeks to deepen engagement with ECOWAS and the African Union.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Ghana from July 2 to 3 and Namibia on July 9 as part of his African diplomatic tour. The  Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement on June 27.

This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades. During his stay in Accra, Modi will meet with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to strengthen cooperation in economic development, energy, defense, and trade. According to the official statement, the visit will also reaffirm India’s commitment to supporting regional integration through ECOWAS and the African Union.

Following Ghana, Modi will travel to Namibia on July 9 at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This will mark his first state visit and the third ever by an Indian Prime Minister to Namibia. The trip takes place in a strategic context, as India seeks to secure energy partnerships and expand its economic influence on the continent.

India is already a significant player in Ghana’s economy. According to the Indian High Commission, India was Ghana’s second-largest investor by the number of projects (12) and eighth-largest by FDI value in 2024, with investments totaling $16.46 million. That same year, India was Ghana’s third-largest supplier, after China and the United Arab Emirates.

Namibia also represents a key partner for India, especially in the mining and energy sectors. Talks between New Delhi and Windhoek in 2022 aimed to secure Indian participation in future Namibian oil production. According to Trade Map data, trade between the two countries reached $362.32 million in 2024, focused on copper, iron and steel, and petroleum products.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum