Funds are being provided by India to support electricity generation projects to boost the region's power supply in Africa, in addition to the funds India is providing for the development of various ICT projects in Southern Africa. Due to lack of investment in renewable energy and electricity generation, several Southern African countries including Zambia, Namibia and Malawi are faced with increased power shortages affecting ICT equipment, particularly in rural areas.
Indian Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari has signed agreements with Southern African countries including Zambia and Malawi for electric power generation and renewable energy projects, to ensure that the region has enough electricity. Computer training programmes are already being provided by Indian companies to Botswana and South Africa. Power shortage is an obstacle for the New Partnership of Africa's Development (Nepad), that plans to equip schools in Africa, to promote e-learning projects. Many African governments have been facing a challenge raising funds to buy generators to power ICT equipment. However, Indian companies are moving in to help the situation through investments in ICT and electricity generation projects.
