Keynote dialogue brings together leaders from Singapore and Africa to discuss trade, investment, and future opportunities
Singapore, 26 August 2025 – The Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) continued at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel with a keynote dialogue titled “Contributing to Africa’s Tomorrow”. The session featured Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development; Mr Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation; and Mr Stephen Jennings, Founder and CEO of Rendeavour. The discussion was moderated by Mr V. Shankar, CEO and Co-Founder of Gateway Partners.
Mr Alvin Tan reflected on the shifting global trade landscape, emphasising the importance of shaping new narratives in a time of uncertainty. He said, “The stories that we now know are a stark difference from the stories that we knew. And it is a retreat from the multilateral rules-based trading system… We have agency and it now matters about the stories that we can next create, the stories that we can next create. It’s in our hands.” He highlighted Singapore’s continued efforts to expand linkages through free trade agreements, bilateral investment treaties, and carbon credit arrangements with partners such as Ghana and Rwanda.
Mr Samaila Zubairu noted that changing tariff regimes could serve as an opportunity rather than a setback for Africa. He said, “The whole change is an opportunity for a different story to be told about Africa’s prosperity so we can seize this moment… We’ve always argued that Africa is an investment proposition. The huge natural resources, the young population that is growing, all of this represent an investment opportunity, not aid.” He pointed to industrial parks, renewable energy projects, and the African Continental Free Trade Area as drivers of value addition and integration.
Mr Stephen Jennings focused on Africa’s economic trajectory and long-term prospects, pointing to signs of a rebound. He said, “Africa is growing very rapidly. East Africa will almost certainly be the fastest-growing region on the planet in two years’ time. The whole region is growing at almost 6%. Africa is the only region in the world the World Bank forecasts to have higher growth next year than this.” He added that renewed capital flows and labour market advantages were reshaping Africa’s role as a compelling business destination.
The dialogue underscored the shared view that Africa and Singapore could work together to build sustainable growth through trade, investment, and innovation.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters
