In a landmark diplomatic and strategic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing Africa tour has announced two major initiatives – the establishment of a vaccine manufacturing hub in Ghana and the expansion of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payments system to Namibia.
The announcements came during PM Modi’s addresses in Accra and Windhoek as part of his three-nation visit to strengthen India-Africa ties, enhance South-South cooperation, and counter increasing Chinese influence in the continent.
Key Announcements During PM Modi’s Africa Tour
| Country | Initiative | Sector | Strategic Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | Vaccine manufacturing hub | Healthcare, pharmaceuticals | Africa vaccine self-reliance, Indian pharma export |
| Namibia | UPI payments system expansion | Digital finance | Strengthen fintech ties, rupee internationalisation |
| Kenya | Defence MoU & solar energy projects | Security, energy | Maritime security, renewable energy collaboration |
Ghana Vaccine Hub: Boosting Africa’s Healthcare Self-Reliance
Speaking in Accra alongside Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, PM Modi announced that India will assist in setting up a state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility in Ghana in partnership with Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech.
Key Highlights:
- The hub will focus on routine immunisation vaccines (measles, polio, tetanus) and future mRNA-based vaccines.
- Funded through a combination of Indian concessional lines of credit (LoC) and investments by Indian vaccine manufacturers.
- Expected to create 2,500 direct and indirect jobs in Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector.
- Aims to cater to ECOWAS countries (Economic Community of West African States) and reduce dependence on Europe and China.
India’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Africa (2015-2025)
| Year | Country | Vaccine Supplied/Project | Value (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Nigeria | Polio vaccine supply | 120 |
| 2018 | Kenya | Rotavirus vaccine supply | 95 |
| 2021 | Multiple (via COVAX) | COVID-19 vaccines | 580 |
| 2023 | South Africa | TB vaccine trials | 210 |
| 2025 | Ghana | New manufacturing hub announced | 1,300 |
PM Modi’s Statement
“India’s commitment to Africa’s health security is unwavering. The Ghana vaccine hub will not only ensure equitable access but also build Africa’s capacity to respond to future pandemics.”
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo welcomed the initiative, calling it a “historic milestone in Africa’s health independence journey.”
Namibia: India’s UPI to Strengthen Digital Payments Ecosystem
In Windhoek, PM Modi and Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba launched the partnership to integrate India’s UPI system with Namibia’s national payment infrastructure. This makes Namibia the second African nation after Mauritius to adopt India’s digital payment technology.
Benefits:
- Enables instant remittances and business transactions between India and Namibia.
- Supports Namibia’s financial inclusion goals by enabling low-cost digital payments in rural areas.
- Facilitates INR-denominated trade settlements, strengthening rupee internationalisation.
- Opens avenues for Indian fintech startups to enter the African market via partnerships.
Countries Adopting India’s UPI (2022-2025)
| Country | Year of Adoption | Integration Partner |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 2022 | Mashreq Bank, NPCI |
| Singapore | 2023 | PayNow |
| Mauritius | 2024 | Bank of Mauritius |
| Namibia | 2025 | Bank of Namibia |
Strategic Context: Countering China in Africa
PM Modi’s announcements are viewed as part of India’s efforts to provide development-driven alternatives to China’s BRI model in Africa. Analysts note:
- China has invested over $200 billion in Africa’s infrastructure in the last two decades, often leading to debt distress.
- India focuses on capacity building, skill development, digital connectivity, and healthcare manufacturing.
India’s Key Sectors of Investment in Africa (2025 est.)
Healthcare & Pharma | 38%
Digital Payments & Fintech | 22%
Energy (solar, hydro) | 18%
Agriculture & Food Processing | 12%
Defence & Security | 10%
Economic and Geopolitical Impact
For Ghana:
- Strengthens pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem
- Reduces dependency on European and Chinese imports
- Enhances employment and local skill development
For Namibia:
- Enhances digital infrastructure and financial inclusion
- Facilitates small businesses and cross-border remittances
- Positions Namibia as a digital payments hub in Southern Africa
For India:
- Deepens economic and diplomatic ties in Africa
- Expands market access for Indian vaccines and fintech solutions
- Counters China’s influence with development-centric diplomacy
Expert Views
Dr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla (Former Foreign Secretary):
“India’s approach is different from China’s. Our initiatives create long-term developmental capacity while strengthening strategic goodwill.”
Namibia Fintech Association President Tulime Amukwaya:
“UPI’s integration will revolutionise Namibia’s payment ecosystem, reducing costs for consumers and businesses.”
Challenges Ahead
While the announcements are strategic, effective implementation will require:
- Timely disbursal of LoC funds for the Ghana vaccine hub
- Smooth regulatory clearances in Namibia for UPI integration
- Skilled manpower training to operate new vaccine manufacturing technologies
- Cybersecurity and compliance frameworks for cross-border UPI transactions
Key Takeaways
- India to establish first vaccine manufacturing hub in Ghana, enhancing Africa’s health sovereignty.
- UPI to be integrated with Namibia’s payments system, deepening fintech ties and financial inclusion.
- Initiatives align with India’s Africa strategy and Act East + Act Africa policies to counterbalance Chinese influence.
- Potential for Indian pharma, fintech, and tech startups to expand operations in Africa.
What’s Next?
- Detailed MoUs and funding mechanisms for the Ghana vaccine project will be finalised by September 2025.
- NPCI International is expected to complete UPI-Namibia technical integration by March 2026.
- PM Modi’s Africa tour continues with upcoming visits to Kenya for defence and energy cooperation announcements tomorrow.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and editorial purposes only. Financial and strategic data are based on official government statements, MoUs, and analyst interviews. Readers are advised to consult verified releases for operational specifics before commercial or legal quoting.
