Africa Meets Asia: The Africa Singapore Business Forum

“Africa is the fastest urbanising region in the world.

Between 1950 to 2015, it has grown from 27% to 40%.”

Africa Singapore Business Forum, the leading platform for promoting business exchange and thought leadership between Africa and Asia ran from the 23rd to the 27th of August.

The business matching sessions however are running till the 24 September, 2021.

Organised by Enterprise Singapore, the forum has brought together over 2,000 business and government leaders from over 30 countries to explore partnerships and growth opportunities between these two dynamic regions. 

This years’ forum saw the attendance of seasoned business and world leaders like Africa’s Optimist in Chief, Dr Akinwumi Ayodeji,

President of the African Development Bank, Alvin Tan,

Minister of State, Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, Singapore, Yasmin Kumi,

Founder & CEO of Africa Forsight Group, Juliet Anammah, Chairperson Jumia Nigeria and many more.

Even amid COVID-19, there are still many prospects for investment and collaboration between the two regions.

This year’s edition of The Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) was held virtually, to address the critical issues and identify opportunities in key sectors and areas including digital technology, financing, innovation, manufacturing, sustainability and urban solutions.

After the welcome address by Peter Ong, Chairman, Enterprise Singapore, the forum discussed topics like

“Leapfrogging the World: Innovation and Sustainability in Africa”,

“Africa’s Urban Future: Sustainable Planning and Construction”,

“Manufacturing in Africa: Deepening Value-capture in the Continent”,

Manufacturing in Africa is projected to reach US$1 trillion (~S$1.33 trillion) by 2025 from US$645 billion (~S$856.50 billion) in 2019

“Digital Africa: The Next Tech Frontier”, “Nigeria: Your Gateway to Africa by Lagos Free Zone”,

Africa’s internet economy is forecasted to contribute US$180 billion (~S$239 billion) by 2025, and US$712 billion (~S$945.46 billion) by 2050.”

“Ghana-Singapore Trade and Financial Partnership”,

“Trade Finance & Trade Facilitation Opportunities in Africa by Afreximbank”,

48% of Africa’s exports are raw materials with little processing

“Dispute Resolution in Africa & Doing Business Case Studies by INCE”

“How to Invest in Africa’s Infrastructure?”

Africa is a 1.3 billion people market and has a US$108 billion annual infrastructure deficit.

“Investment Climate and Opportunities in East and West Africa” and many more.

Posts tailored to deliver thoughts were shared in the forum will be made available in the coming days.