The India Africa Entrepreneurship Forum has partnered with the Takshashila Institution to offer a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy aimed at enhancing the understanding of governance and policy among African entrepreneurs.
On July 29, 2026, the India Africa Entrepreneurship Forum (IAEF), based in Mauritius, announced a strategic partnership with the Bengaluru-based Takshashila Institution to provide high-quality, affordable public policy education to entrepreneurs and professionals across Africa. This initiative is designed to deepen understanding of governance frameworks and regulatory design, which play pivotal roles in the functioning of markets and international collaborations.
The partnership emerges from the recognition that a thorough understanding of India’s entrepreneurial landscape cannot be confined to trade and investment metrics alone. Baljinder Sharma, Director of the IAEF, emphasized this perspective, stating, “India’s entrepreneurial rise has never been just an economic story — it is a story of institutions, policy choices, and governance evolving alongside markets.” This insight underscores the importance of contextualizing economic narratives within the broader framework of governance.
Program Overview
The centerpiece of this partnership is the 12-week Graduate Certificate in Public Policy (GCPP) program, which will be made available to African participants at a nominal fee of $350, a reduction from the standard fee of $420. The program is specifically tailored for working professionals, with sessions scheduled on Saturdays, and includes a self-financed, in-person workshop near Bengaluru.
The GCPP curriculum is divided into three specialized tracks:
- Advanced Public Policy: This track equips participants with analytical frameworks to navigate the intersection of politics and economics, emphasizing strategies for effective engagement in this complex environment.
- Defence and Foreign Affairs: Participants in this specialization will explore geopolitics, strategic studies, and economic reasoning, with a particular focus on the role of military power in global affairs and India’s foreign policy.
- Technology and Policy: This track provides essential concepts for understanding the interplay between technology, the economy, society, and governance.
Nitin Pai, Co-founder of the Takshashila Institution, articulated the significance of this educational endeavor by stating, “Good public policy frameworks are portable. India has spent decades figuring out how to grow fast without letting governance fall apart, and much of that experience translates directly to Africa’s present moment.” This statement highlights the relevance of India’s policy experiences in addressing the contemporary challenges faced by African nations.
Access and Enrollment
Individuals interested in enrolling in the GCPP program can contact either the IAEF or the Takshashila Institution directly for additional information regarding registration for the upcoming cohort, which is set to begin on September 5, 2026, and conclude on November 29, 2026.
Background of the Organizations
The India Africa Entrepreneurship Forum aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial, economic, and institutional ties between India and Africa. Established in Mauritius, the forum serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between the two regions, working to enhance mutual understanding and partnership opportunities.
The Takshashila Institution is an independent center dedicated to research and education in public policy. As a non-partisan, non-profit organization, it has been advocating for values such as freedom, openness, tolerance, pluralism, and responsible citizenship since its founding. The institution’s mission is to transform India through improved public policies and the cultivation of informed citizens, civil society leaders, and public servants.
With a robust alumni network exceeding 10,000 individuals globally, the Takshashila Institution has established a reputation for delivering rigorous, practitioner-oriented education that is accessible and cost-effective when compared to similar programs offered elsewhere.
Implications for African Entrepreneurs
As Africa continues to navigate a complex landscape of economic and governance challenges, initiatives like the GCPP program aim to enhance the capacity of local entrepreneurs and policymakers. By equipping them with the necessary tools to engage effectively with both domestic and international markets, the program seeks to foster a new generation of leaders who are well-versed in public policy issues affecting their regions.
The collaboration between the IAEF and the Takshashila Institution is particularly timely given the increasing interconnectedness of global economies and the need for effective governance structures. The insights gained from India’s developmental journey may offer valuable lessons for African nations seeking to stimulate economic growth while ensuring robust governance frameworks.
In conclusion, the partnership between the IAEF and Takshashila Institution represents a significant step toward empowering African entrepreneurs and policy practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of governance and market dynamics. By fostering a deeper understanding of public policy, this initiative aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the continent, ultimately enhancing the prospects for economic collaboration between India and Africa.
