China's premier on Sunday pledged $10 billion in low interest loans to African nations over the next three years and said Beijing would cancel the government debts of some of the poorest of those countries.

African leaders on Friday ratified a convention on the protection of the continent's internally-displaced people, refugees and returnees, billed as the first of its kind worldwide.

India and the West African nation Benin have set up a joint commission to boost multi-sectoral bilateral co-operation between the two nations to expand and consolidate their trade ties.

India is committed to enhance ties with African nations and will continue its cooperation to boost infrastructure and technology development in the continent, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has said.

Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist Bill Gates on Thursday will unveil grants totaling $120 million to promote dynamic, home-grown, sustainable agriculture in Africa and India.