PM Abiy: Ethiopia and Singapore can build a strong Asia–Africa bridge for shared prosperity

Addis Ababa, November 24, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia and Singapore are well positioned to build “a strong Asia–Africa bridge for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” as he and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a joint press briefing today at the National Palace.

Prime Minister Abiy warmly welcomed Premier Wong, recalling their extensive discussions during his visit to Singapore last year and commending the Singaporean leader for honouring his promise to visit Ethiopia.

He said the gesture reflects “the type of attitude and rectitude” expected of leaders and strengthens the confidence to deepen bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister stressed that Africa has much to offer global partners, citing its human capital, land, fresh water, clean-energy potential and investment-ready environment.

He said Ethiopia sees Singapore as a strategic partner whose governance experience, innovation record and long-term planning offer valuable insights.

Premier Abiy stated that their meeting reaffirmed shared priorities in trade, investment, logistics, manufacturing, aviation and tourism.

He invited Singaporean investors to explore opportunities in industrial parks, agro-processing, mining and city-based developments.

He also underscored Ethiopia’s interest in collaboration on smart mobility, logistics technology, digital public infrastructure, and capacity building under the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding on skills development.

The Prime Minister added that Ethiopia hopes to learn from Singapore’s experience in green urban planning, neighbourhood connectivity and city development, noting the value of coordinated frameworks to translate discussions into practical outcomes.

He emphasized that Ethiopia is committed to a “practical and futuristic partnership” and that cooperation between the two nations can advance broader Asia–Africa engagement.

Prime Minister Wong, for his part, thanked Abiy for the warm reception and said his visit—his first bilateral trip to Africa as Prime Minister—aims to renew and advance the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

He underlined that the partnership is “a partnership of equals,” focused on win-win collaboration rather than instruction or one-sided learning.

Wong said the two new MoUs on skills development and carbon credits reflect growing momentum in bilateral cooperation, with the latter supporting both countries’ climate goals ahead of Ethiopia’s hosting of COP32 in 2027. He noted additional areas of discussion, including trade, investment, digital transformation and regional connectivity.

The Singaporean Premier announced that his government will establish an embassy in Addis Ababa—its first in East Africa and third in Africa—to deepen engagement with Ethiopia and strengthen ties with the African Union.

He also introduced the Singapore–Africa Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability (“SAPLINGS”) package, which will offer African officials study visits, executive education and scholarships in Singapore.

Wong said Singapore sees Ethiopia as a critical partner and believes the two countries can help catalyse greater flows between Southeast Asia and Africa.

He expressed confidence that relations will “continue to grow from strength to strength” with Prime Minister Abiy’s support.

Both leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to expanding collaboration and elevating Ethiopia–Singapore relations across multiple sectors.