Bridging Histories, Building Futures: Ethnic Indian-African Relations in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania The relationship between ethnic Indians and ethnic Africans in South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania was shaped by ancient trade, colonial policies, and post-colonial transformations. Pre-colonial Indian Ocean networks laid early foundations, but British colonialism, through indentured labor and merchant migration, positioned Indians as economic intermediaries, fostering both prosperity and tension. In South Africa, Indian contributions to the economy and anti-apartheid struggle highlight complex dynamics of rivalry and solidarity. In Zambia, Indian merchants dominated commerce, but post-independence Zambianization strained relations. In Kenya and Tanzania, Indian businesses thrived, yet Africanization policies sparked challenges. Today, India’s growing engagement through trade and development seeks equitable partnerships, but economic disparities and cultu...