Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, held an official visit to Ethiopia from November 23-24, the first Singaporean Prime Ministerial visit in 60 years. The historic visit was a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ethiopia and the wider African continent.
Prime Minister Wong expressed his sincere gratitude for Ethiopia’s warm hospitality, noting that the historic visit “opens a new chapter of friendship and cooperation,” and emphasizing that bilateral relations will continue to grow in depth and substance.
A major highlight of the visit was Prime Minister Wong’s announcement that Singapore will open its first Embassy in Ethiopia in 2027. He underscored the strategic significance of Ethiopia as the seat of the African Union and the role of Addis Ababa as a central hub for African politics and diplomacy. The establishment of the Embassy, the third on African soil and the first in the region, will enhance Singapore’s engagement with Ethiopia and the wider region, creating new opportunities for partnerships.
The visit began with a tour of the Adwa Victory Museum, an emblem of Ethiopia’s historic triumph and a continental symbol of resistance and unity. Prime Minister Wong praised the museum as a powerful testament to African resilience and independence.
The Premier was later received at the National Palace, where an official welcome ceremony was held in the presence of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The two leaders then joined a tree-planting ceremony, resonating with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiatives and symbolizing the growth and continuity of Ethiopia–Singapore relations, followed by a tour of the National Palace grounds.
The agenda continued with a four-eye meeting between the two Prime Ministers, which was followed by a delegation-level meeting that concluded with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening cooperation sectors, including skills development and carbon credit.
The discourses underscored both countries’ commitment to strengthen collaboration in skills development and sustainability, particularly in carbon credits, to advance shared climate goals. This pledge comes as Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in 2027, with full support from Singapore.
Prime Minister Wong launched the Singapore–Africa Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability (SAPLINGS) program, creating a tangible platform for Singapore to support Africa’s development. The initiative fosters mutual learning, builds capacity, and strengthens ties with African partners, including Ethiopia.
The Singaporean delegation led by the Prime Minister also visited the Repi Wilmar Factory, a Singaporean company currently operating in Ethiopia. Prime Minister Wong commended the company’s contributions to Ethiopia’s industrial sector and expressed confidence that more Singaporean businesses will explore investment opportunities in the country. The plant, a joint venture with an Ethiopian partner, is a leading manufacturer of soap and detergent, producing well-known brands such as Largo, Ajax, and Rol, widely present in Ethiopian households.
Further engagements took place at the Addis International Convention Center, where both leaders participated in a fireside chat focusing on bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and future opportunities for partnership across economic, technological, and sustainable development fields. At this important segment of the visit program, Prime Ministers of Ethiopia and Singapore encountered each other in a discussion with the presence of several Ethiopian government officials, where Lawrence Wong shared his country’s invaluable experiences regarding nation-building, leadership styles, economic transformation, and geopolitical matters. Singapore is widely admired for its extraordinary journey, evolving from a small island nation with scarce natural resources to becoming one of the most advanced, innovative, and resilient economies globally. This remarkable transformation, fueled by visionary leadership, effective governance, and strategic foresight, serves as a compelling example for many developing countries, including Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Wong’s visit, highlighted by the announcement of a Singaporean Embassy in Addis Ababa, the launch of SAPLINGS, the signing of key MOUs, and substantive discussions, marks a transformative chapter in Ethiopia–Singapore cooperation. Both sides expressed optimism that these initiatives will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, fostering long-term collaboration and building a bridge between Africa and Southeast Asia for the benefit of our peoples for years to come.