New Delhi: The India Africa Trade Council (IATC) has appointed Mr. Darshan Chandan as the Honorary Trade Commissioner – ECOWAS to India, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to strengthening economic engagement between India and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The appointment was announced during the Malawi Ministerial Delegation Meet held in New Delhi, which brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, policymakers, and members of the Indian and African business community.
The appointment ceremony took place in the presence of Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Malawi, H.E. Mr. Leonard Mengezi, High Commissioner of the Republic of Malawi to India, along with diplomats, industry leaders, Honorary Trade Commissioners, and representatives from both India and Africa. The event highlighted the growing momentum of India-Africa economic relations while providing a platform to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, logistics, manufacturing, and regional cooperation.
The appointment of Mr. Darshan Chandan reflects the India Africa Trade Council’s continued efforts to strengthen institutional engagement with key African regional economic communities. As one of Africa’s largest economic blocs, ECOWAS comprises 15 West African member states, representing a rapidly expanding market with significant opportunities across infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, energy, healthcare, and technology.
Mr. Darshan Chandan is an accomplished entrepreneur and international logistics professional with extensive experience in global trade, freight forwarding, supply chain management, and cross-border business operations. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with businesses involved in international commerce, helping facilitate seamless movement of goods, improve supply chain efficiency, and support market expansion across multiple regions.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Darshan Chandan said:
“I am honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility by the India Africa Trade Council. West Africa presents immense opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial collaboration. I look forward to working with governments, businesses, and industry stakeholders to build stronger commercial partnerships, facilitate investment, and contribute to sustainable economic growth between India and the ECOWAS region.”
As Honorary Trade Commissioner – ECOWAS to India, Mr. Chandan will work closely with governments, trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, industry associations, investors, and private sector stakeholders to promote bilateral trade and investment. His responsibilities will include facilitating business delegations, identifying strategic investment opportunities, encouraging joint ventures, supporting market access initiatives, and strengthening institutional collaboration between India and ECOWAS member countries.
Congratulating him on the appointment, Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the India Africa Trade Council, said:
“The appointment of Darshan Chandan as Honorary Trade Commissioner – ECOWAS to India reflects the Council’s commitment to strengthening India’s engagement with West Africa through experienced business leaders. His knowledge of international trade and logistics will play an important role in fostering stronger institutional relationships, facilitating cross-border business, and creating new avenues for trade and investment between India and the ECOWAS region.”
The appointment further advances the India Africa Trade Council’s mission of promoting economic diplomacy, facilitating cross-border business collaboration, and strengthening strategic partnerships across Africa. With Mr. Darshan Chandan assuming this responsibility, the India Africa Trade Council looks forward to expanding trade and investment ties between India and West Africa, encouraging greater private sector collaboration, and unlocking new opportunities that contribute to shared prosperity across both regions.
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