Singapore, 2025 - The 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) officially opened last week at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront, welcoming a dynamic gathering of senior government officials, business leaders, and policymakers from Africa and Southeast Asia. The biennial event, organised by Enterprise Singapore, serves as a premier platform for rethinking trade and investment ties across continents In DiplomacyEnterprise Singapore.
A forum with weight and vision
Chairman of Enterprise Singapore, Lee Chuan Teck, highlighted the forum’s enduring legacy: “Since the first edition in 2010, we have hosted more than 5,000 business and government leaders from over 50 countries.” He emphasised that amid, shifting global economic currents, collaboration rather than isolation is key In Diplomacy.
Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Grace Fu, delivered the official opening remarks. She outlined three core pillars of cooperation: institutional linkages, commercial synergies, and people-to-people connections. She urged participants to use the ASBF as their “launching pad” for new partnerships Opening SpeechEnterprise Singapore.
Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu speaking at the 8th Africa Singapore Business Forum on Aug 26. Photo by: Lianhe Zaobao.
Spotlight on Africa–Singapore trade and investment
In a keynote address, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama reframed his country as Africa’s business gateway.
He shared powerful insights:
“Africa-Singapore trade rose by about 50 per cent between 2020 and 2024 to nearly US$14 billion” and noted that “Ghana-Singapore trade has also grown, reaching over US$215 million in 2024” The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama speaking at the 8th Africa Singapore Business Forum on Aug 26.Photo by: Lianhe Zaobao.
The forum underscores Singapore’s expanding role in Africa not just as an investor (over US$20 billion across sectors like manufacturing and infrastructure), but as a gateway into Asian markets. Meanwhile, Africa offers vast opportunities in green energy, fintech, agribusiness, and urban development African BusinessSpeech.
A vision for sustainable cooperation
ASBF 2025 (26–28 August) sets itself apart with a forward-looking agenda. Over three days, more than 700 participants convened in plenaries, workshops, and business-matching sessions to explore:
- Energy transition & green economy
- Fintech, digital infrastructure & logistics
- Carbon markets & sustainable urban planning African Business.
Conclusion: A blueprint for shared growth
As the forum progresses through to 28 August 2025, the message is clear: Africa and Singapore are charting a new economic chapter that is anchored in practical collaboration, innovation, and mutual prosperity. From policy frameworks to real-world investments, the ASBF is turning visionary ideals into tangible outcomes.