- Singapore picks Addis Ababa as East Africa diplomatic hub
- New embassy strengthens Asia–Africa trade, climate cooperation
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – Singapore will open its first embassy in East Africa by 2027, selecting Addis Ababa to anchor its growing political and economic engagement with Ethiopia and the wider continent.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the plan on 24 November during his first official visit to Ethiopia and his inaugural bilateral trip in Africa. The new mission will become Singapore’s third embassy on the continent after Egypt and South Africa.
“Singapore and Ethiopia can catalyse more trade and investment flows between South-east Asia and Africa,” Wong said at a joint press briefing with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace. He added that the embassy reflects Singapore’s belief in Ethiopia’s “strategic importance and potential.”
A strategic diplomatic gateway
Addis Ababa’s selection underscores both Ethiopia’s rising economic relevance and the city’s status as host of the African Union (AU) headquarters, giving Singapore a diplomatic gateway to all 54 African states.
The two governments signed agreements to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors, particularly skills development and carbon markets. The Memoranda of Understanding “seek to boost” skill training and spur green economic growth, enabling both countries to tap expanding low-carbon industries.
Singapore’s announcement comes as Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in 2027. Wong praised Ethiopia’s selection and said Singapore would support its preparations. The “carbon credit collaboration” is expected to bolster global emissions-reduction efforts while drawing climate-focused investment into Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy welcomed Singapore’s expanded footprint and pointed to opportunities in logistics, transport, digital governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and fintech.
“Together, we can build a strong Asia–Africa bridge for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” Abiy said, stressing Ethiopia’s ambition to leverage Singapore’s reputation for innovation and effective governance.
During the visit, Abiy urged Singaporean companies to explore Ethiopia’s aviation, manufacturing, and tourism sectors. Ethiopia is courting global partners to accelerate its modernisation agenda, particularly in smart mobility, digital public infrastructure, urban planning, and green development.
Wong also launched the Singapore–Africa Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability (SAPLINGS), a new programme aimed at supporting training and institutional capacity-building across Africa. “It reinforces Singapore’s strategy of partnering with rapidly growing African economies by building local capacity and knowledge transfer,” he said.
With a new embassy in the pipeline and sectoral cooperation accelerating, both countries are positioning their partnership as a long-term bridge connecting two dynamic regional markets. The next phase of cooperation will be guided by recently signed agreements and preparations for COP32.
