CIDCO plans 20-acre Africa trade hub in Kharghar with hotels, convention centre

Mumbai: CIDCO is set to anchor a 20-acre global trade and diplomacy hub in Kharghar, featuring hotels, serviced apartments, a 6,000-seat convention centre, exhibition spaces and a landmark Bio Dome, as part of the proposed Africa India International Development Zone (AIIDZ) within the International Corporate Park.Positioned as a flagship business district on the lines of the Dubai World Trade Centre, the self-contained campus is planned near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport and JNPT, giving it strategic access to global trade routes.The development will include 2.5 lakh sq ft of exhibition space, retail and delegate facilities designed to support year-round global summits, trade fairs and business exchanges. At its core will stand a central business tower with permanent office spaces for all 54 African nations, along with Indian public and private sector institutions, creating a permanent diplomatic and commercial presence in Navi Mumbai.The convention complex, centred around a 6,000-capacity auditorium, is expected to host international events for more than 250 days a year, while the proposed Africa-India Bio Dome will serve as a signature space for cultural, environmental and innovation exchanges.The project will be executed through a special purpose vehicle in which the Africa India Economic Foundation (AIEF) will hold a 74% stake and CIDCO 26%. CIDCO has already submitted the land disposal proposal to the state govt, formally initiating the International Corporate Park's development.The AIIDZ is expected to become operational in six to eight years, with projected revenues of USD 30 million by the sixth year, reinforcing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region's ambitions of becoming the economic anchor of the Global South.CIDCO vice chairman and managing director Vijay Singhal said the project is envisioned as a platform connecting "markets, ideas, innovation and people", creating a dynamic ecosystem for shared growth and positioning Maharashtra as a gateway for the Global South.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the dedicated ecosystem for trade, investment and institutional collaboration would deepen economic ties with African nations while opening new avenues for growth, jobs and global partnerships.Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said the integrated facilities and strategic Mumbai Metropolitan Region location would enable seamless stakeholder interaction and accelerate trade and investment flows.Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar said the Africa India Business Centre would act as a catalyst for economic growth by boosting MSMEs, generating employment and attracting global investments.