India’s exports to Africa increased from 7.5 per cent in 2009-10 to eight per cent in 2017-18.
Of the 54 African countries, there was significant trade with 47. Many of these countries rank high in terms of ease of business.

For Indian exporters, Africa presents an almost unlimited market.

The country’s biggest market on the African continent is South Africa. South African chain store buyers, independent retailers, boutique owners, home textile and soft furnishing buyers, agents, wholesalers, importers and other industry professionals are interested in Indian products particularly fashion garments, embroidery, sequins, beadwork and the hand washes that India is famous for.

India has set up an apparel training centre in Nigeria. This will rebuild the cotton and textile value chain of Nigeria.

India is South Africa’s second-largest clothing import source market. It is recognised as one of the best sourcing destinations for garments, textiles, footwear and leather. India is the largest producer of jute, the second largest producer of cotton, silk and cellulosic fiber, the third largest producer of raw cotton and the fourth largest producer of synthetic fiber.

There is growing investment by Indian companies in Africa in a range of sectors including textiles and such as telecommunications, hydrocarbons, agriculture, manufacturing and IT.