On the inaugural day of the B20 forum, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chair of B20 India Action Council on African Economic Integration and the head honcho of Bharti Enterprises, highlighted Africa’s untapped agricultural potential. Labeling Africa as a “continent of hope,” Mittal emphasized the game-changing potential of exploiting 60% of Africa’s untouched farmland.
Under Mittal’s leadership, the council underscored the pressing need to revolutionize Africa’s agricultural landscape. The objectives? To bolster productivity sustainably, guarantee food security, and elevate nutritional standards. More than just farming, the vision also encapsulates boosting human capital across the spectrum, from health and education to skill-building.
A pivotal theme echoed the necessity for structural transformation. The formula? Infusing private investments, integrating cutting-edge technology, and championing the cause of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Moreover, Mittal and the council are batting for a smoother trade framework. Their ambition is to seamlessly weave Africa into regional and global value chains, unlocking further economic potential.
But the roadmap doesn’t stop at trade and agriculture. Bridging the continent’s physical and digital divide is paramount. Investing in infrastructure, especially in digital realms, stands out as a cardinal objective. Such advancements promise to catalyze other development priorities.
As B20 India zeroes in on the global business challenges, they’ve inaugurated seven specialized task forces under India’s G20 Presidency. These teams will delve into areas like Global Value Chains, Digital Transformation, Global Economic Recovery Financing, Climate Change, and Financial Inclusion, among others.
