FIEO & DP World host interactive session on unlocking African market potential through Bharat Africa Setu
MUMBAI : The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), in collaboration with DP World, successfully hosted a high-impact Interactive Session on “Exploring Export Potential of the African Market with Bharat Africa Setu” in Mumbai.
The session brought together exporters, trade experts, policymakers, and logistics leaders to deliberate on strategies for expanding India’s footprint in the rapidly growing African market.
Mission & Vision
The initiative is anchored in a clear mission — to build a cost-effective trade bridge enabling Indian businesses to access the USD 430 billion African import market.
The shared vision is to double India’s export share to Africa from 6.5% to 12% by 2030, strengthening South-South trade ties and enhancing India’s global export competitiveness.
At the core of this initiative is the Bharat Africa Setu platform, designed to empower Indian exporters with seamless logistics solutions, enhanced connectivity, market intelligence, and integrated supply chain support.
Distinguished Speakers & Key Insights
The session featured insightful addresses from eminent leaders across trade and logistics:
Mr. Khushwant Jain, Regional Chairman (WR), FIEO
Mr. Mohammed Akoojee, CEO & MD – Sub Saharan Africa Region, DP World
Mr. William Sears, Chief Commercial Officer – Logistics, DP World
Mr. Zeeshan Mukhi, Vice President – Freight Forwarding, DP World
Mr. Backiyavelu Mutharasu, Deputy DGFT, Mumbai
Mr. Mrigank Gupta, Managing Committee Member, FIEO
Mr. Rishi Kant Tiwari, Director & Regional Head (WR), FIEO
Speakers highlighted the vast untapped potential across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles, food products, and consumer goods. They emphasized the importance of integrated logistics, policy facilitation, and digital platforms like Bharat Africa Setu in overcoming traditional trade barriers such as high freight costs, fragmented supply chains, and limited market intelligence.
Strengthening India–Africa Trade Ties
Africa remains one of the fastest-growing economic regions globally, with expanding urban populations and increasing demand for quality imports. The session underscored the strategic importance of deepening India–Africa economic engagement through structured trade corridors, improved maritime connectivity, and institutional partnerships.
By leveraging DP World’s extensive presence across African ports and logistics infrastructure along with FIEO’s exporter network, Bharat Africa Setu aims to create a seamless, scalable, and sustainable trade ecosystem.
Way Forward
The interactive session concluded with a strong call for collaborative action among exporters, logistics providers, financial institutions, and government agencies to capitalize on emerging opportunities in Africa.
With focused initiatives like Bharat Africa Setu, India is poised to significantly enhance its export presence across the African continent, reinforcing economic partnerships and advancing shared prosperity.
About FIEO:
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations is the apex trade promotion body set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to promote and facilitate India’s exports across global markets.
About DP World:
DP World is a leading global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions, operating ports, terminals, and logistics services across key international trade routes.
