President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has called on Singaporeans to deepen their understanding of East Africa, describing the region as a promising new frontier that could become an important partner for Singapore in an increasingly uncertain world.
Speaking to Singapore media at the end of his three-day state visit to Tanzania on June 10, President Tharman said East Africa’s rapid growth, youthful population and expanding economies present significant opportunities for Singapore.
“More of our young people should get to know Africa and realise how exciting it is,” he said, noting that Singaporeans often lack familiarity with the continent because of geographical distance and limited historical links compared with Asia.
A major outcome of the visit was Singapore’s decision to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement with the East African Community (EAC), a bloc comprising Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reported The Straits Times. It would be Singapore’s first free trade agreement with an African partner and the EAC’s first with a partner outside Africa.
President Tharman said the EAC’s economic size today is comparable to that of ASEAN about 35 years ago, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing regions. Better governance, economic diversification and expanding infrastructure have strengthened the region’s prospects, he added.
Tanzania and Zanzibar, in particular, are investing heavily in manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and port development. Zanzibar’s plans for a major deep-water port and industrial park present opportunities for Singapore companies with expertise in logistics, industrial estate planning, and manufacturing services.
Beyond logistics, opportunities also exist in agribusiness, fintech, tourism, and digitalisation.
Accompanying ministers highlighted additional areas for cooperation, reported The Straits Times. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah said tourism, food security, food processing, and hospitality investments could benefit both countries. Tanzania’s abundant land, growing middle class, and agricultural resources could also help strengthen Singapore’s food resilience.
Minister of State Alvin Tan noted that financing remains a challenge for companies looking to invest in Africa and suggested deeper links with African financial institutions to support trade and business expansion.
The visit also saw the signing of several agreements covering trade facilitation, carbon markets, skills development and the avoidance of double taxation, which is expected to boost investment flows between the two countries.
President Tharman said the broader goal was to build bridges between Asia and Africa at a time when global trade and international cooperation face increasing strain.
“Openness and partnership still offer the best path forward,” he said, adding that stronger ties between Singapore and East Africa could create new opportunities for businesses, institutions and people on both sides.
