Singapore Establishes Its First East African Embassy in Ethiopia

Singapore has announced the opening of its first embassy in East Africa, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This marks a significant step in Singapore’s diplomatic presence on the African continent, where it now has three embassies, joining those in Egypt and South Africa. The announcement came from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during a joint press conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on November 24, 2023.

During his visit to Ethiopia from November 23 to 25, Wong emphasized that the new embassy serves as a “tangible demonstration” of Singapore’s commitment to building a partnership with Ethiopia. He highlighted the strategic importance and potential of the country, stating, “Our embassy will also enable Singapore to strengthen our ties with Africa as a whole.” The embassy’s location in Addis Ababa will provide opportunities to engage more effectively with the African Union, facilitating deeper understanding and collaboration in various sectors.

The focus of the discussions between the two leaders extended to sustainability initiatives, particularly in the realm of carbon credits. Wong pointed out that the cooperation would aid both nations in meeting their respective climate targets. Ethiopia’s role in hosting COP32 in 2027 adds urgency to this partnership, which Singapore is keen to support fully.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Foreign Affairs, Gan Siow Huang, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Dr. Fitsum Assefa Adela. This agreement aims to explore collaboration in carbon markets, including sharing best practices and knowledge on market mechanisms. The Ministry of Trade and Industry emphasized that this partnership reflects a mutual belief in the effectiveness of climate action through international cooperation.

Gan noted, “This partnership with Ethiopia reflects our shared conviction that climate action is strongest when countries support and work with one another.” By cooperating on carbon markets, both nations aspire to channel resources into meaningful climate mitigation efforts, ultimately protecting communities and unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth.

In summary, Singapore’s establishment of its first East African embassy signals a commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations and addressing global challenges like climate change in partnership with Ethiopia. As the two nations embark on this new chapter, the focus on sustainability and collaboration will likely shape their future engagements.