(Ecofin Agency) - The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind (photo) started since July 28 a week-long tour of West Africa. He aims to explore opportunities to consolidate the relations his country has with the black continent.

He first arrived in Benin and is going to Gambia and Guinea as well. This is a very first time an Indian President is touring West Africa but it is Kovind's fourth visit to Africa since he came to power in 2017.

Although the Asian country has good relations with French-speaking countries such as Benin, to which it is a main trade partner, its deals with English-speaking countries are much more developed.

Back in 2015, during the India-Africa summit held in New-Delhi, the Indian authorities expressed their will to boost partnership with the whole continent, in particular by awarding 50,000 scholarships to African students and expanding the distance learning network established in 2009.

Of the 18 new embassies planned to open in Africa, 7 will be in West Africa.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou