The Indian Journal of African Studies (IJAS) has been published since 1992. It is a blind peer-reviewed journal that publishes original work contributing to the understanding of African issues and India–Africa relations. It is a multidisciplinary journal. Original research papers or review articles may be submitted for consideration. Publisher: University of Delhi, Department of African Studies Frequency: Biannual Coverage: 2023 – current Language: English Journal Status: Active Collections: Social Sciences & Humanities | Social Sciences and Humanities (excl. T&F) | Open Access
Siddis of Patthar Kuan (Ahmedabad): A DiasporicConnect From Africa
Civil Society in Egypt: A Critical Analysis
Egypt is constitutionally known as a Republic, however, in practice it is an authoritarian state. The president, as elected head of the state has absolute power to take decisions with regards to administering and running the state. This extends to undermine the provisions created by the constitution for citizens’ rights. As a result, there is little room for any public discourse and civil society activities. This article is an analysis of the civil society growth and prospect under successive regimes in post-colonial Egypt to argue that Egyptian society is largely shaped by the state centric political culture.
Poor Leadership and Underdevelopment in the AfricanSubcontinent: An Evaluation of Selected Factors
Africa is considered the poorest continent in the world, despite the fact that it is the richest in natural resources. Africa suffers from chronic maladministration and a lack of effective leadership. Governance and poor leadership are becoming the identities of the African subcontinent. Leadership issues in Africa are always viewed in the context of development. The lack of leadership is really a challenge in the 21st century, as the people of the African subcontinent must understand that honest leadership is very important for the socio-economic and political development of society. In this present paper, the study has been conducted based on the literature available on the reasons behind faulty leadership. Such faulty leadership is responsible for poverty and economic backwardness. In essence, the study is qualitatively oriented and mainly uses secondary data for analysis. This article primarily evaluated the factors responsible for poor leadership and the challenges related to it. The study also looked at the importance of democracy and attempted to find a link between healthy democracies, strong leadership, and African development crises.
Penal Transportation and Colonial Atrocities on the Andaman’s and Robben Island
This paper aims to trace the history of two penal transportation sites: Andaman's Islands of India and Robben Island of South Africa. Those who opposed British colonial rule and expansion were sent to the Andaman and Robben Islands through penal transportation. Both islands were used as places of Banishment, exile, and penal settlement during the colonial and imperial expansion of the British empire. The objective of this paper is to understand how that Island and the people imprisoned there were used by the British and the role of those detained as political prisoners or convicts on those islands. The interconnected histories of Robben Island, the Andaman Islands, and the convicts transported between them demonstrate the global dimensions of colonial oppression and resistance. Robben Island stands as a symbol of South Africa's struggle against colonial legacy, while the Andaman Islands represent a site of resistance to British imperialism. In 1979, the jail was declared a National Memorial dedicated to the nation in the presence of the former Andaman political prisoners. Robben Island became a tourist spot, and in 1999, it was declared a World Heritage site as it had an essential role in the political history of South Africa
Africa in G-20, Global South and the Environmental Matrix
The implications of African integration into the G-20 and its positioning in the Global South for global environmental governance are significant. This paper focuses on sustainable development discourses within the G-20, in particular, whether Africa's unique set of challenges (socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities, rapid demographic change) shapes its role differently. Presuming Africa welcomes human rights, the rule of law, and transparency, then its participation in the G-20 may offer it opportunities to push an environmental agenda including such urgent issues as climate change and public goods like biodiversity protection and resource depletion that without exception hit Africa harder than other regions. As a part of the G-20, Africa is empowered to demand and advance sustainable development pathways that respond to its imperatives while also addressing world environmental needs. Moreover, the study outlines the interface of Africa's involvement in the G20 with larger geopolitical dynamics of cooperation between North and South and South-South. Although Africa's inclusion in the G20 again unpacks the potential for multilateral action, the capacity of Africa to genuinely influence global environmental policy processes remains tenuous, reflecting an ongoing bias to power and representation. The analysis highlights the importance of inclusive governance mechanisms that represent the interests of the regions of Africa and supports equitable involvement in the development of global sustainability norms
Role and Challenges of Primary Sector in the Structural Transformation in Africa
This paper examines the primary sector’s performance, preferment, and challenges in structural transformation in the African economy. A systematic research has been done with the help of secondary data by using United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD), EXIM Bank and World Bank reports. Being either under-developed or developing nations, the primary sector mostly dominates the majority of African countries, which indeed is vital for embarking on its autonomous growth. The empirical evidence suggests that other developing countries with a large reliance on the primary sector show a positive effect on the nation’s economic efficiency within the context of sustainable development, but a fundamental challenge in Africa’s sustainable development is reducing its rampant poverty. Most underdeveloped African economies aren’t able to devote the required skilled resources to their primary production. Africa faces a complex mix of developmental problems within the primary sector, which are vast and multifaceted. A few of these include- the challenge of lesser devotion towards resources to the primary production; challenges of crawling technological adaptations and dependency on traditional harvesting & irrigation methods; less cost-effective agricultural techniques of the contemporary era with respect to inexpensive & unskilled farmers, etc. These challenges as well as their concomitant trade-offs, have to be strategically addressed to improve the prospects for sustained growth and development.
Navigating the Dragon and the Elephant: Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Indian Policies in Africa
The engagement of China and India in Africa has become acritical focus in contemporary international relations, marked by substantial investments aimed at securing economic, political, and strategic interests. This study provides a comparative analysis of Chinese and Indian investments in Africa, exploring the distinct approaches, objectives, and impacts of these two Asian giants. The research delves into the motivations driving Chinese and Indian engagement, highlighting how historical ties, resource needs, and geopolitical ambitions shape their policies. China's involvement in Africa is characterized by large-scale infrastructure projects, comprehensive financial aid, and a robust presence in sectors like mining, construction, and telecommunications. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)serves as a cornerstone of China's strategy, fostering extensive connectivity and economic integration across the continent. In contrast, India's approach is more diversified and grassroots-oriented, emphasizing capacity building, educational partnerships, and development cooperation through initiatives such as the India-Africa Forum Summit. The study examines the economic, social, and environmental impacts of these investments on African countries. It investigates how Chinese and Indian projects influence local economies, job creation, and technology transfer, while also addressing concerns related to debt sustainability, environmental degradation, and labour practices. Through case studies of specific African nations, the research highlights the varying degrees of acceptance and resistance encountered by Chinese and Indian enterprises. Indian Journal of African Studies. Furthermore, the analysis considers the geopolitical implications of Sino-Indian competition and cooperation in Africa. It assesses how their engagements intersect with broader global dynamics, including relations with Western powers and regional African organizations. The study underscores the potential for collaborative efforts that leverage the strengths of both countries to foster sustainable development in Africa. Ultimately, this research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how China and India navigate their roles as emerging global powers in Africa, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges inherent in their investments. The findings contribute to the discourse on South-South cooperation and the evolving landscape of international development.
Cooperation and Challenges in the ComprehensiveRefugee Response Framework (CRRF) in Ethiopia
Our world is in a serious crisis that emanates from different social,political, and economic interests. The greater vulnerability due to these crises occurs in the global south, of which the sub-Saharan region is most affected. The natural and manmade crises have further aggravated the situation. The region is notable not for its progressive nature but that’s hit continually with catastrophes and disaster that have displaced millions of refugees. Ethiopia has taken the initiative to provide aid and assistance to settle the refugees and their integration. It is due to its hospitable culture towards foreigners and its Government’s pledge to achieve the New York declaration. Ethiopia has attempted to apply the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) with the participation of UN agencies and donors to reduce the risks for the refugees compared to the refugees in other countries of the region. It is creditable to get effective outcomes from a developing country with many internal problems to address. Yet many challenges remain to achieving the New York declaration. The research paper aims to analyze Ethiopia’s commitment to creating local community awareness and raising ownership towards alleviating the refugees’ livelihood, providing education, job, and free movement. The conceptual and practical framework of community-based cross-sectional assessment design has guided the study. The present study concludes that although refugees’ protection is under-resourced and faces crucial challenges, cooperation to mitigate the challenges is strong and sustaining.
Comprehensive Refugee ResponseFramework (CRRF)
Administration ofRefugees and Returnees Agency (ARRA)
A Historical Analysis of Africans, Their Presence, and Assimilation in Awadh
The phenomenon of Africans migrating from Africa to South Asia and other regions is well-known and extensively studied throughout history. People of African descent have voluntarily and forcefully migrated to India and occupied significant and influential positions within many empires and societies. The historical phenomenon of the African presence in the Awadh region was also significant. The Awadh has played a vital role in shaping the historical narrative of modern India. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the emergence of the autonomous empire in Awadh corresponded with a substantial migration of Africans into this region. This paper concentrates on the historical relevance of the Africans in the context of Awadh, which includes their assimilation, their contribution to the rise of Awadh as a cosmopolitan empire in India, and their military participation in the events of 1857. During the city’s siege and subsequent recapture in March 1858, people of African descent played crucial roles in the street-level conflict. This article seeks to do an academic exploration and revisit the historiography of Awadh while examining the complexities between social and cultural assimilation challenges and adaptations, as well as the transformational shifts that have altered the lives of the Africans in Awadh. Scholarly research has concentrated chiefly on aristocratic Africans, not everyday enslaved people and migrants. Their incorporation into Indian culture, primarily through marrying and cultural mixing, is little understood. The case of the African presence in Awadh challenges racial and authority myths, showing a flexible and cosmopolitan social framework. This historiography emphasizes cross-cultural interchange and illuminates a neglected African diaspora narrative in South Asia.
What ails Africa? Re-Investigation of Colonial Legacies
The study outlines and contextualizes the theoretical construct of the African state evolution. An attempt is made to unveil the protracted spatial, socio-cultural and economic disparities that still persist across the continent among the various demographic groupings. The central objective is to identify the roadblocks encountered in the building state in Africa. Moreover, the paper also reflects the colonial trajectory and policy directives as well as the extenuating factors that have stymied the African state system from attaining its developmental goals. However, the findings of the study reveals that, despite a slew of policies, laws and tactics adopted by the African government, policy objectives were not fully realized owing to the myriad of structural and socio-cultural disparities as a result of colonial legacy. The fact is that Africa not only lacks an operational model for governance but also has remained mired in a colonial paradigm that by its paternalistic character undermines its development prospects. So, what the African states required is a strong willed and capable leadership who can set priorities in streamlining the existing states that resonate with the indigenous traditional state and make it compatible with modern nation-states.
India-Botswana: Understanding the Partnership of Diamond Sector
The article discusses the evolving relationship between India and Botswana, particularly focusing on trade, investment, and the diamond industry. Botswana, known for its lucrative diamond mines, has seen significant collaboration with India, especially in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. The diamond industry is a focal point of this partnership. Botswana's diamond mines, particularly the Jwaneng mine, are among the most profitable globally. The article notes that while major diamond companies like De Beers and Alrosa dominate the market, the cutting and polishing of diamonds are often outsourced to Indian firms, particularly in Surat, due to lower labor costs. In this context this article deals with India’s partnership with Africa with special reference to Bostwana. Firstly it taken into account India’s engagement in Diamond Sector. Secondly it explain India’s engagement with Bostwana Diamond Sector. Thirdly it deals with India- Botswana Partnership on Diamond in which the article explore the Political, Cultural and Economic Symmetry and then explain the Policy Calibration in this sector
The Impact of Military Strategies during the Maji MajiWar on Non Combatants: Women and Children inSongea District
Throughout human history, war and military tactics have been a constant. The establishment of the colonial rule in Africa produced a number of wars that impacted on both combatants and noncombatants. This study examines the military strategies during the Maji Maji War and its impacts on non-combatants especially women and children in Songea District. It also examines the survival strategies during and soon after the war. Three theories served as the foundation for the study: the just war theory, the just and unjust war theory, and the empathic warfighting theory. Both primary and secondary sources were employed in the investigation. Oral accounts and archive sources served as the primary data sources while secondary sources were obtained from books and journal articles. The triangulation of several sources of data collection is aimed to decrease the subjectivity and exaggerations. Songea District was chosen for the study because it had a long history of violent conflict. The results exposed a number of problems with both German and Ngoni military tactics. At first, the Germans sought vengeance in the mistaken belief that they could quickly suppress the opposition. The Ngoni used their conventional military tactics to contain the Germans. Finally, the Germans employed the most devastating military tactic “scorched earth police”, by setting villages on fire. Burning of shelters and food supplies led to starvation and numerous fatalities. In order to maintain their food, health, and security, women and children gathered food and conventional medicine covertly at night out of dread of the German militias.
The Rise of Idi Amin as the President of Uganda and its Implication on the Liberation Struggles of the Southern African Countries
The overthrow of the Ugandan President Dr Apollo Milton Obote on 25th January 1971 opened a new but provocative chapter of the diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Uganda. Obote and the President of Tanzania then, Mwali muJulius Nyerere, supported Southern African Countries' (SACs)liberation struggles. This study examines the rise of Idi Amin and its implications for the liberation struggles of SACs. Specifically ,it examines the Frontline Leaders' (FLLs) reaction to Amin’s regime, especially after he invaded Tanzania. Both unpublished and published sources were consulted to gather information. The unpublished data were collected from different reports, magazines, and newspapers from the Tanzania National Library and Tanzania National Archive. The published data were collected from books and journal articles. The data collection in Tanzania was done because the country was directly engaged in the two incidences. Firstly, Tanzania was invaded by Amin, leading to the Tanzania-Uganda War of 1978-1979. Secondly ,the country was the center of the Southern Africa Liberation Movements. The results exposed that Amin’s coup over Obote and the invasion of Tanzania had imperialist motives behind it. The rise of Amin as the new President of Uganda and his invasion of Tanzania implicated the whole operation of liberation movements in SACs. The FLLs were disappointed seeing their fellow African leaders trying to introduce another kind of imperialism. Amin’s vision differed from the FLLs 'vision, which was to decolonize SACs such as Mozambique ,Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the liberation of South Africa against apartheid policy
Morocco Gateway to Sahel Africa Connecting The World
Climate Change and its Impact on Fisheries in Kenya
The variability of climate is affecting adversely biodiversity of mostof the world regions. But the impact of climate change on thecoastal regions is even more pronounced. Studies have documentedthe climate change trends in different coastal regions and theensuing alterations in the marine life. Climate change effects havebeen very noticeable in the changing pattern of the marine life inthe Indian Ocean region. The impact of climate change in Kenyaseems to be causing vulnerability to fisheries and local economiesalike. This impact has a rippling effect not only on the foodproduction and livelihoods of the people living in the coastalregions but is also aggravating the problem of hunger and povertyand is thus affecting the economic growth of the region. Theresearch paper attempts to analyze the impact of climate change inbringing about environmental changes that is affecting the marineecosystem. It also elaborates of the on the impact of climate changeon the fish production and its bearing on the per capita fishavailability and food security of the local people in Kenya as thishas not been well documented. Data has been taken from the WorldDevelopment Indicator database. Data collected has been presentedgraphically using software Excel package. Trendlines to analyzeand present the data have been constructed using MS Excel toenable future predictions have also been presented where possible.
DIASPORIC COMMUNITY IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION, PROJECTION, AND MANIFESTATION: THE CASE OFBAPS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR, NAIROBI
The Indian community has always been in flux in East Africa as traders, merchants, and financiers for centuries. With the expansion of trade, Indian settlement gradually extended along the East African coast and hinterland. Due to this, the Indian Diaspora became one of the oldest communities to settle in East Africa. As they settled over time, they also brought their cultural beliefs, traditions, and ideas with them. While gradually, their identity transformed from ―South Asians in Africa to ―Asian Africans.‖ Like many diasporic communities, Indians faced the delicate challenge of preserving their cultural identities while gradually engaging with East African society. This balance between maintaining their heritage and adapting to local customs shaped their distinctive role in the region‘s history. This research, through the case study of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Nairobi, assesses the expression of‘ diasporic identity within the Indian-Kenyan community. Although diasporas often experience continuous pressure to assimilate, the BAPS Mandir stands as a deliberate cultural and architectural statement of identity, resilience, and continuity. Drawing on data from a Conservation Management Plan (CMP), field observations, and community interviews, the paper also as a socio-political symbol, educational hub, and civic actor in Kenya. It highlights how the Indian community, particularly the Gujarati Swaminarayan sect, has constructed, projected, and sustained its cultural identity through spatial, ritual, and institutional frameworks over time. The paper argues that religious spaces, such as the BAPS Mandir, play a critical role in shaping collective memory, negotiating belonging, and stimulating civic engagement in postcolonial, multicultural African urban contexts.
Copyright (c) 2024 IJAS Indian Journal of African Studies
This article examines the increasing intertwining of artificial intelligence (AI), development, and diplomacy in growing cooperation between India and Africa. It discusses the strategic and ethical implications of technological engagement in the Global South. As both India and African countries explore the transformative potential of AI, their collaboration reflects their shared commitment to leveraging digital innovation for inclusive development in line with the spirit of South-South cooperation. India’s approach—cantered on digital public goods, capacity building, and people-centric technology—has attracted interest from African nations as a prospective partner, offering an alternative to Western and Chinese models. Initiatives such as the Pan-African e-Network, e-Vidya Bharati, and the Co-WIN platform demonstrate India’s dedication to applying AI-based technologies in a human-cantered manner across healthcare, agriculture, and education. However, significant challenges remain, including issues of technological sovereignty, data colonialism, ethical governance, and geopolitical competition. African countries face similar dilemmas regarding control over data infrastructure and the deployment of AI, which often lacks robust legal and institutional regulation. This paper argues that, for AI to become a genuine enabler of development and diplomacy, both India and African nations must address these structural inequalities and co-create policies that promote fairness, accountability, and technological self-sufficiency. The AI partnership between India and African nations thus offers a vital lens through which the politics of emerging technologies in the developing world can be understood.
Voices of Liberation: A Comparative Study of Mahatma Gandhi and Sam Nujoma as Public Diplomats in the Global South
This paper explores the public diplomacy legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Sam Nujoma as early architects of ―liberation diplomacy‖ in the Global South. While traditionally framed within their respective national liberation movements, both leaders effectively engaged international audiences, framing their struggles as moral imperatives that transcended borders. Drawing on public diplomacy theory, soft power, framing analysis, and the concept of liberation diplomacy, the study provides a comparative analysis of Gandhi‘s and Nujoma‘s strategic communication approaches, institutional engagements, and symbolic repertoires. Gandhi, operating in the early 20th century under British colonial rule, utilised nonviolence (satyagraha), visual symbolism, and global civil society networks to influence opinion in the imperial metropole and beyond. His public diplomacy was grassroots-driven and grounded in ethical resistance. In contrast, Nujoma, working within the post-World War II multilateral system, strategically engaged with institutions such as the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity, and the Non- Aligned Movement. His approach combined legal argumentation, coalition-building, and international advocacy to secure recognition for SWAPO and Namibia‘s right to self-determination. Despite contextual differences, both figures demonstrate that non-state actors from the Global South can shape global norms, influence international discourse, and build legitimacy without conventional power. Their examples offer enduring lessons for contemporary public diplomacy, particularly in how moral clarity, symbolic communication, and transnational engagement can advance justice in global affairs. This paper contributes to the decolonisation of diplomatic studies by positioning African and Asian leaders as innovators in global public diplomacy.
Beyond David Miller’s Remedial Responsibility:
Addressing poverty and its devastating impact on humans is a pressingconcern that has been a topic of discussion in both political and economicspheres for decades. Scholars from a variety of disciplines have proposeda variety of strategic ideas to ensure that poverty is mitigated, particularlyas it concerns the global South. Clearly, poverty is still a serious problemin contemporary civilizations, particularly in Nigeria. Numerous effortshave been applied to reduce the poverty rate. However, it appears thatthese efforts have been in futility. David Miller’s effort towards the eradication of poverty is explicitly spelt out in his Remedial responsibilitytheory. Miller highlighted six factors in his connection theory of remedialresponsibility. He argued that the six factors weigh equally and no onefactor weighs above the other. Through the method of critical analysis, thisresearch submits that capacity weighs more than other factors; this isbecause if a nation lacks sufficient capacity, then it cannot be heldremedially responsible. This research argues further that institutionalcapacity and willingness is capable of filling the gap that is inherent in Miller’s idea of remedial responsibility, thereby helping us to holisticallyaddress the problem of poverty in the global South. Although it is true thatindividuals play a significant role in reducing poverty in the context ofglobal poverty, institutional capacity also plays a larger role thanindividuals because poverty is a worldwide problem. When issues of greed,corruption, inaction, or lack of drive are raised during the povertyalleviation process, willingness arises
India-Senegal Relations: Partnering in Phosphates Sector
India and Senegal share a long-standing diplomatic relationship rooted in common democratic values, post-colonial experiences, and mutual aspirations for economic growth. This paper explores the deepening bilateral cooperation between India and Senegal, focusing on the strategic phosphate sector. Given that agriculture forms the backbone of India’s economy, and the country is heavily dependent on fertilizer imports to support its agricultural productivity, Senegal emerges as a crucial partner with its rich phosphate reserves and established mining industry. The article contextualizes the collaboration within the broader geopolitical and economic framework, tracing Senegal's phosphate mining history and India’s evolving fertilizer needs. The paper highlights the significance of Senegal’s phosphate reserves and how these have shaped not just the Senegalese economy but also India's resource security strategies. The Indian fertilizer industry's reliance on external phosphate supplies underscores the necessity of sustainable partnerships. The study also delves into the infrastructural, economic, and policy challenges facing both countries in maximizing the potential of this collaboration.
Afro-Indian Presence in the Sports: Contributions, Social Inclusion and Global Visibility
The Afro-descendant group in India, known as the Siddi community, traces its origins to centuries of transoceanic migration facilitated by Arab and Portuguese trade networks since the 7th century. They came from their homelands, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Zanzibar, Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and Mozambique. In India, the Union government, on January 8, 2003, classified them as a Scheduled Tribe. In recent years, Siddi youth have emerged as notable figures in India's sporting landscape, excelling in athletics, boxing, and traditional sports like kabaddi, breaking away from their historical invisibility. This paper examines athletic achievements of the Siddi community across Gujarat and Karnataka to determine their relationship with cultural identity and socioeconomic development. The paper evaluates the state-led initiatives of the Sports Authority of India's Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme and grassroots organizations such as the Bridges of Sports Foundation to transform the lives of Siddis. The study uses global examples from the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe to demonstrate how sports can serve as a powerful instrument for minority empowerment and cultural diplomacy. Through qualitative fieldwork and policy analysis , the research shows that developing Siddi sporting talent enhances India's international sports reputation while promoting grassroots community development and social integration. The paper advocates implementing inclusive, culturally sensitive policies integrating the Siddis into national sports narratives to enhance India's soft power and global outreach through their success. This paper explores the history of Siddi sports in India, assesses their contemporary participation in Karnataka and Gujarat, investigates the role of sports organizations, compares their experiences with the global African diaspora, and identifies collaboration opportunities.