Ten years ago, in 2015, New Delhi hosted the last India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III), a huge event that brought leaders from all 54 African countries together with India. This summit marked a huge jump in India's friendship and work with Africa under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since then, India has opened 17 new offices in Africa and boosted trade past a whopping $100 billion! India is now one of Africa's top investors, putting in $75 billion so far. The work has changed from just building things like ports and power lines to making vaccines and digital technology together. The message is loud and clear – "Build together!" In April 2025, India and nine African navies joined hands in the first Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), a big security move based on their shared oceans. India's Exim Bank also gave a $40 million loan to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, showing support for Africa-led growth. Education shines bright too! The IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar is a shining example. Thanks to long-lasting programs like the Pan-African e-Network and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), thousands of Africans get trained, powering the future. While India’s trade with Africa is growing fast, it still trails behind China. Many Indian companies face challenges due to small budgets and slow processes. The solution? India should climb higher and co-invest in hot future sectors like green hydrogen, electric vehicles, and digital tech. Africa is shaping its own rules with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), creating a huge single market. India's UPI and digital systems could be perfect partners for this change. But tools alone can’t win the game—execution matters! The real star of this story is people. Around 40,000 Africans studied in India over the last decade through programs like ITEC and ICCR. Many have become leaders and innovators back home, serving as trustworthy bridges between countries. The connection goes both ways, with African stars in Indian sports and culture, like Nigerian footballer Ranti Martins and South African cricket coach Morne Morkel. Looking ahead, the article’s author Syed Akbaruddin, former Indian Permanent Representative to the UN, says India must do three big things: connect money with clear results, build a strong India-Africa digital corridor, and bring back the India-Africa Forum Summit to keep the momentum alive. Long ago, merchants crossed the Indian Ocean hunting for spices and gold. Now, India and Africa are exchanging more than goods—they share trust, skills, and dreams. A decade after that landmark summit in Delhi, it’s time to take the next bold step: join hands and build a bright, shared future!