Tanzania is positioning itself to benefit from a wave of trade and investment opportunities following the launch of the Fifth Africa–Singapore Ministerial Forum (SAMEV) in Singapore on August 26, 2025.
The forum brings together African countries and Singapore to strengthen ties in trade, technology, renewable energy, and education.
Leading Tanzania’s delegation was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, opened the forum with a call for closer cooperation between Africa and Singapore to address global economic uncertainties.
“We live in an era of turbulence, with trade restrictions, policy changes, natural disasters, and geopolitical conflicts slowing global economic growth,” Dr. Balakrishnan said.
“Now is the time to adopt joint strategies to overcome these challenges and sustain growth.”he added
Tanzania stands to gain from key areas outlined in the partnership, including greater access to markets for agricultural and mineral products, investments in renewable energy and technology, skills development for young people, and support for digital and blue economy growth.
Opportunities will also extend to climate change mitigation initiatives and industrial development.
Dr. Balakrishnan noted that Singapore’s focus on Africa is influenced by global economic shifts, adding that both regions share a unique advantage for partnership.
“Africa and Southeast Asia have vast resources, young populations, and fast-growing markets. This is an opportunity we cannot ignore,” he said.
He highlighted Africa’s strong fundamentals, including a population of about 1.3 billion, fertile land, strategic location, and a youthful workforce with nearly 70 percent under 30.
Peace, security, and abundant raw materials also make the continent attractive for long-term investment.
The minister praised Africa’s efforts in deepening trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its regional blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Singapore, he added, is committed to working with these frameworks to unlock shared growth.
SAMEV, first held in 2014, takes place every two years as a platform for building Africa–Singapore relations. This year’s opening was graced by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama.