India to Expand Scholarship Schemes for Ghana and Africa

India has announced plans to expand scholarship opportunities for Ghana and other African countries, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening educational and cultural ties across the continent.

According to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), more than 4,000 scholarships are granted annually to students from 130 countries. Of these, 1,100 slots are reserved for students from 54 African nations under the India Africa Scholarship Scheme. ICCR Director General Nandini K. Singla highlighted the initiative during a briefing to a delegation of 27 journalists from West and Central Africa and Oceania, noting that education remains central to India’s foreign policy and values.

Singla emphasized that India’s rise as the world’s fourth largest economy provides an opportunity to deepen collaboration with Africa, describing the two regions as “brotherly civilisations” with shared historical experiences and development journeys. “We are not expecting anything in return. If one part of the world prospers while another remains poor, it eventually affects us all,” she said.

Currently, five African countries rank among the top ten beneficiaries of ICCR scholarships. A total of 3,020 students from 45 African nations are studying in India under ICCR programs, including 727 at Andhra University and 188 at Delhi University. Singla stressed that these scholarships are funded domestically, without reliance on foreign aid. “India does not receive overseas development assistance. What we do in Africa and other developing regions is financed by the average Indian citizen,” she explained.

The ICCR, established in 1950, has long promoted culture and education as bridges between nations. Initially under the Education Ministry, it came under the Ministry of External Affairs in 1970 to align more closely with India’s foreign policy objectives.

Over the decades, more than 37,000 Africans have received training and education in India through scholarships and capacity building programs. The latest expansion aims to ease the financial burden on African countries grappling with a youth bulge, while also fostering stronger people to people connections.

India’s initiative underscores its broader vision of shared prosperity and global cooperation. By investing in education for African students, New Delhi hopes to build lasting partnerships that contribute to both regional development and international stability.