Johannesburg, South Africa - Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, has proposed a groundbreaking "skill multiplier" initiative aimed at boosting human capital development across Africa. Speaking at the session on ‘Inclusive and sustainable economic growth leaving no one behind’ on November 22, 2025, Modi emphasized that Africa's progress is vital for global advancement and outlined three new initiatives. This is the first time the G20 Summit is being held in Africa.

The G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, the centerpiece of Modi's proposals, envisions a "train-the-trainer" model across various sectors, with support and financing from all G20 partners. The ambitious target is to create one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade. These trainers would then empower millions of young Africans with essential skills, unlocking large-scale employment opportunities and driving economic growth.

Modi stated that India has always stood in solidarity with Africa, and it was during India's G20 Presidency that the African Union became a permanent G20 member. This initiative builds upon that spirit, recognizing that Africa's development and empowering young African talent is in the global interest.

In addition to the skills initiative, Modi proposed two other significant initiatives:

• Global Traditional Knowledge Repository: Recognizing the value of eco-balanced, culturally rich, and socially cohesive ways of living preserved by communities worldwide, Modi proposed the creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository under the G20. This repository would document and share traditional wisdom, ensuring its preservation and transmission to future generations. India's existing Indian Knowledge Systems initiative could serve as a foundation for this global platform.

• G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus: Modi highlighted the serious threat posed by drug trafficking, particularly the spread of dangerous substances like fentanyl, to global security and as a major source of financing for terrorism. He proposed a dedicated G20 initiative to unify financial, governance, and security tools to disrupt trafficking networks, choke illicit financial flows, and weaken this funding source for terrorism.

The Prime Minister also called for a rethinking of global development parameters, noting that existing models have often deprived populations of resources and led to the over-exploitation of nature, challenges acutely felt in Africa. He pushed for a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team, advocating for a pool of trained medical experts from member nations ready for rapid deployment during health emergencies and natural disasters.

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 2025, with a focus on building partnerships to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that Africa's development would be at the top of the agenda during South Africa's G20 presidency. India has managed to echo the key outcomes of its G20 presidency in the G20 South African Summit.

These initiatives underscore India's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Africa and supporting the continent's development aspirations. India-Africa trade crossed $100 billion in 2024–25, making India the continent's third-largest trading partner. India's cumulative FDI in Africa stands at $75 billion, focusing on sectors aligned with Africa's growth priorities.