While official dates have not yet been announced, sources indicate the summit is likely to take place between May 28 and 31. Preparations are already underway in the national capital, with around 18 hotels reportedly booked to accommodate visiting Heads of State, Government representatives, and their delegations.

The India-Africa Forum Summit, first convened in 2008, serves as the principal platform for political and economic engagement between India and African nations. It is aimed at strengthening cooperation among developing countries and expanding partnerships across sectors. The upcoming edition follows a gap of nearly a decade since the last summit was held in 2015 in New Delhi. Previous editions were hosted in 2008 in New Delhi and in 2011 in Addis Ababa.

The summit is expected to take place soon after the BRICS Sherpas meeting, with an emphasis on aligning Africa's Agenda 2063 framework with India's development and growth strategies. Discussions are likely to focus on co-development models, digital infrastructure expansion, and green initiatives.

Key sectors of cooperation include health, education, agriculture, information technology, and security. India's engagement in maritime security, as well as training programmes and the supply of defence equipment such as patrol vessels and aircraft, is also expected to be part of the discussions.

Trade and investment are set to remain central to the summit's agenda. India is currently Africa's third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $103 billion in 2024-25, marking a 17 per cent year-on-year increase.

Critical minerals, energy security, and supply chain resilience are also expected to feature prominently. Africa holds around 30 per cent of the world's critical mineral reserves, making it a key region for India's resource requirements. At the same time, African countries are seeking technical expertise in mining and extraction, areas where India is expected to contribute.

Energy cooperation is another major focus area. Africa accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global renewable energy potential. Despite possessing some of the world's strongest solar resources, solar power currently contributes only about 3 per cent to the continent's electricity generation. India's experience in scaling up renewable energy is expected to complement Africa's solar development potential.

The summit is also being held against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and their impact on global economic stability, including disruptions to food and energy security. It is expected to reinforce engagement within the Global South and provide momentum to multilateral groupings such as BRICS, while also exploring expanded cooperation through local currency trade mechanisms.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), operational since 2021, is expected to play a significant role in discussions. The agreement aims to integrate markets across the continent and provides access to a combined population of 1.3 billion people.

According to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Africa's consumer and business spending could reach $6.7 trillion by 2030, driven by demographic growth and an expanding workforce.

The upcoming summit also follows the African Union's inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 under India's presidency in 2023, a development that has added a new dimension to India-Africa engagement.