PM Modi Plans Vaccine Hub, UPI Expansion During Africa Tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation tour beginning July 2, including visits to Ghana and Namibia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties through economic cooperation and healthcare development. A key agenda is the establishment of a vaccine hub in Ghana, aiming to enhance the country's healthcare infrastructure and support its goal of self-sufficiency in vaccine production by 2030. Discussions will also cover agriculture, defense cooperation, critical minerals, and digital public infrastructure, alongside potential agreements to expand India's role in these sectors. The visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Ghana in 30 years and includes delegation-level talks, a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama, a parliamentary address, and engagement with the local Indian community. Additionally, India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is set to be expanded in Namibia as part of efforts to deepen economic and digital ties. These initiatives come as Ghana undergoes economic restructuring under IMF conditions and seeks to boost trade and investment, currently valued at billions of dollars between the two countries.