India extends $15 million grant assistance to Niger for organizing African Union Summit

India has extended US$ 15 million grant assistance to Niger in support of organizing of the African Union (AU) summit scheduled from 7-8 July, 2019 in Niamey, the capital of Niger. The support of grant assistance was in response to a specific request made by Government of Niger. Niger is hosting the AU Summit for the first time. The AU Summit in Niamey is also expected to launch the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). India is also establishing in Niamey, Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) under grant assistance. The MGICC honours the memory of Mahatma Gandhi whose 150th birth anniversary is being observed in 2019. The Centre is likely to host some meetings associated with the forthcoming AU Summit. India’s grant assistance for organizing the AU Summit will further contribute towards enhancing of bilateral ties. The grant assistance is also reiteration of India’s firm commitment towards Africa.