Civil Services Prep

India-Africa digital partnership is achieving mutual respect, co-development and long-term institutional partnerships. Elaborate.

Model answer

India–Africa digital cooperation is based on the principles of partnership, sovereignty and demand-driven development rather than donor–recipient relations. It combines India’s experience in digital public infrastructure with Africa’s local needs and developmental priorities. **Digital education:** The e-VidyaBharati initiative provides online education, scholarships and access to Indian universities for African students. **Digital healthcare:** e-ArogyaBharati supports telemedicine, medical consultations and capacity-building of African healthcare professionals. **Measurable reach:** By 2020–21, **17 African countries** had signed e-VBAB agreements, according to the **MEA Annual Report 2020–21**, showing an institutional base beyond one-off technology transfer. **Digital public infrastructure:** India is sharing knowledge related to Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, CoWIN and other interoperable platforms to promote financial inclusion and efficient public service delivery. **Capacity-building:** The ITEC programme trains African officials and professionals in information technology, e-governance, cybersecurity, banking and digital administration.

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