Johannesburg, South Africa – Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg on Friday, ahead of the G20 Leaders' Summit scheduled for November 22-23. The meeting served as a platform to discuss technological innovation, foster collaboration in emerging sectors, and explore avenues to strengthen ties between India and its diaspora, aiming to drive global tech growth.
PM Modi expressed his thoughts on X, stating that he had a "fruitful interaction" with the entrepreneurs, who shared insights into their work across various sectors, including FinTech, social media platforms, agriculture, education, healthcare, and medical devices. He encouraged them to deepen their engagement with India and collaborate closely with its people.
During the interaction, several entrepreneurs provided details about their discussions with the Prime Minister. One entrepreneur highlighted a healthcare-focused digital platform that connects consumers with healthcare professionals, facilitating online bookings, telehealth services, and medication delivery, supporting much of the private sector in South Africa and neighboring countries. Another entrepreneur noted that PM Modi inquired about their contributions to India and methods to increase tourism, emphasizing India's leadership in digital payments through UPI.
An innovator in the agriculture sector discussed education, agriculture, and carbon footprint, focusing on building a quantum solution for agriculture. The discussion centered around how India and South Africa are scaling growth, ensuring food security, and leveraging technology for implementation in both countries. Another participant mentioned discussing business relationships and current work in media, technology, agriculture, and education.
One tech entrepreneur remarked on PM Modi's vast knowledge of tech initiatives and trends, stating that he engaged in an in-depth conversation about the solutions being developed.
In addition to his meeting with tech entrepreneurs, PM Modi met with heads of prominent community organizations in Johannesburg, underscoring India's close ties with the diaspora. He urged them to promote Indian culture, including practices like Yoga and Ayurveda, and emphasized their role as a "living bridge" between India and South Africa.
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, PM Modi also met with Naspers Chairman Koos Bekker and CEO Fabricio Bloisi to discuss expanding investments in India's digital ecosystem, AI, startup, and space sectors, and to explore new opportunities in the consumer market and technology. Bekker noted PM Modi's knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and its potential impact on the economy.
Upon arriving in Johannesburg, PM Modi acknowledged the warm welcome from the Indian community, which included a cultural program titled "Rhythms of a United India," showcasing folk dances from 11 Indian states, reflecting the diaspora's vibrant cultural diversity.
The G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg is scheduled for November 22–23. PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders attending the summit. He stated that he would present India's perspective at the forum, in line with its vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'One Earth, One Family and One Future'.
