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Singapore to boost economic ties with Africa
… As Third edition of Africa Singapore Business Forum approach
JOHANNESBURG – Singapore has emerged the largest investor in Africa among the ASEAN countries, according to the latest United Nations’ World Investment Report 2013.
Located strategically in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore’s economic ties with Africa have been on the rise. As of end 2012, Singapore’s investments into Africa saw a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% over the previous five years, reaching US$15.9 billion. Singapore-Africa trade has also increased, reaching US$11.1 billion in 2013, achieving a strong CAGR of 11.7% since 2009.
According to International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the Singapore government agency promoting trade and overseas investments, there are currently over 60 Singapore companies operating in over 50 countries in Africa. Projects span a wide range of sectors from agri-business, food & beverage and oil & gas, to eGovernment services, information & communications technology, and transport & logistics.
Mr G. Jayakrishnan, Group Director for Middle East and Africa, IE Singapore, Said Singapore companies are taking concrete steps to participate more actively in Africa’s growth. Given Africa’s significant development needs, we see an opportunity to collaborate and develop long-term solutions in many areas including urban development & planning, eGovernment, oil & gas, transport & logistics, manufacturing & special economic zones, technical and vocational training, power, water and affordable housing. Singapore can contribute actively as governments across Africa look to diversify growth and improve both business and social infrastructure for their countries.
Despite Singapore’s limited domestic market and lack of natural resources, the country has progressed from a third to first world country and developed into a competitive and dynamic business hub. During its post-independence years, Singapore companies have accumulated extensive experience and capabilities in many sectors including eGovernment, urban planning and development, and oil & gas.
Singapore’s eGovernment journey started in the early 80s with the goal of transforming the small city-state into a world-class user of information technology. Today, Singapore is consistently recognised by international benchmarking studies such World Economic Forum’s Global IT Report and the country’s eGovernment projects have garnered international accolades including the Stockholm Challenge Award and the UN Public Service Award. Sharing its expertise with Africa, CrimsonLogic, a Singapore eSolutions provider, developed an eJudiciary system (Electronic Judiciary) for the Supreme Court and High Courts in Oshakati and Windhoek, Namibia. The new system enabled the judiciary to effectively file court documents and manage case activities electronically, and digitally record court proceedings.
Constrained by land space, Singapore has paid careful attention to the efficient use of land through long-term urban planning since its early stages of development. This has enabled Singapore to manage challenges that many rapidly-growing cities face, such as outages of power and water, insufficient public housing, sanitation and waste treatment, and traffic congestion.
From a water-scarce nation faced with acute housing shortage, Singapore has grown into a world leader in the field of integrated water management with quality homes and living environments. Today, 100% of Singapore’s population has access to drinking water and modern sanitation facilities while over 90% Singaporeans possess their own homes – this is one of the highest rate of home ownership in the world(2). Singapore companies have exported these solutions to Africa, such as Sembcorp Silulumanzi projects in Ballito and Mbombela municipalities, which provide safe drinking water and wastewater treatment.
In the oil & gas sector, Singapore is one of the biggest refining centres in the world and home to many oil & gas equipment manufacturers and distributors. As the world leader in the construction of offshore equipment such as jack-up rigs, semi-submersibles, and floating production storage and offloading services, Singapore companies such as Keppel Offshore & Marine, Sembcorp Marine, RK Offshore, and Pacific Radiance, are presently providing these services to Africa.
For African companies looking to expand into Asia, Singapore can also be the ideal launch pad. We are the world’s easiest place to do business(3) and Asia’s most competitive country(4). Over 7,000 multinational companies have set up in Singapore, with more than 50% using Singapore as their regional headquarters. To date, there are over 10 African companies present in Singapore. For example, African oil company Sonangol, has set up a Singapore office to facilitate its oil trade with Asia, leveraging Singapore’s good geographical location and pro-business environment.
Mr G. Jayakrishnan added that Asia is enjoying a period of upward growth and remains one of the bright spots amid the current global landscape. To tap into this growth, we welcome African companies to partner Singapore companies, leverage Singapore’s position and connectivity to expand into the region.
To help African and Singapore companies to connect and identify joint business opportunities, IE Singapore has been organising the Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF). A premier business platform for fostering investment, trade and thought leadership between Asia and Africa, the third edition will be held in Singapore from 27-28 August 2014.
ASBF 2014 will address a wide range of critical issues on Africa’s economic landscape, provide insights into Singapore’s competitive advantages as well as identify opportunities for strategic collaboration between both regions. A highlight of this year’s programme is the keynote panel with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
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Presidents Invite Me To Dinner Wherever I Go – Davido Boasts
Renowned Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, known by his stage name Davido, has stated that he receives special treatment globally due to his celebrity status.
The Afrobeats sensation mentioned that he is frequently invited to presidential dinners in nearly every country he visits, with the exception of the United States and the United Kingdom.
In a recent interview with Kiss Fresh London, Davido confidently shared that his fanbase includes influential figures such as the World Bank president, presidents of powerful nations, and other notable personalities.
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“Every country we go to, the President invites us for dinner except London [United Kingdom] and the United States of America.
“It’s beautiful to see. I mean, leaving my country, Nigeria, and people welcoming me like the president in other countries, shows how well Nigeria is doing around the world in terms of music and cultural impacts,” he said.
Davido has expressed that he feels most respected in Africa, which is why he cherishes his African tours more than those in Europe and America, even though the latter bring him greater financial rewards.
He shared that his Jamaican collaborator, YG Marley, was astonished by the immense admiration from fans when he visited Nigeria for the video shoot of their joint hit, ‘Awuke.’
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Edo Teen In Custody For Poisoning Ex-Boyfriend, Four Others
The Edo State Police Command has taken a 16-year-old girl, Aisha Suleiman, into custody for allegedly poisoning her ex-boyfriend, Emmanuel, and four other young men in the Afashio community, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State.
The tragic incident came to light on October 26, 2024, when Emmanuel’s father, Mr. Elogie Ezekiel, visited his son’s apartment around 6:30 a.m. and discovered several lifeless bodies.
Ezekiel first found the body of a young man named Nurudeen in the corridor. Inside the apartment, he discovered 19-year-old Emmanuel and his girlfriend, Ada Samuel, also 16, lying unresponsive on the bed. In the sitting room, the bodies of Samuel and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, who were siblings, were also found unconscious.
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All five victims were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Local sources revealed that the victims had consumed a pot of pepper soup prepared by Suleiman before their deaths.
Three days later, the investigation took a dramatic turn when the police received reports that Suleiman was about to be attacked by a group of young men in the community who accused her of poisoning the victims. Officers from the Jattu Division quickly intervened and safely transported Suleiman to the station, according to SP Moses Yamu, the state Police Public Relations Officer.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation,” Yamu added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, has directed a comprehensive investigation, instructing officers to explore all possible leads to uncover the true cause of death in the case.
He also issued a stern warning against any form of mob action, urging the community to allow the police to carry out their duties without interference. CP Ozigi assured the public that justice would be pursued with full diligence.
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Sanwo-Olu, Dignitaries Set To Attend Lagos Social Media Hangout
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, along with celebrities and other dignitaries, will be attending the fifth annual Bodex Social Media Hangout.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the event’s convener, Bodex Hungbo, the gathering is set to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With the theme “Social Media: The Influence, Power and Impact,” Hungbo stated that the event promises fans, leaders, trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities a vibrant day of fun, learning, and excitement.
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The statement read, “Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the fifth annual Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH), which promises fans, leaders, trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities a vibrant day of fun, learning, and excitement! Taking place on Saturday, 7 December 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, this festival is free to attend and requires no registration, welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations and immerse themselves in an extraordinary day of unforgettable experiences.
“This year’s edition celebrates the growth and resilience of our community. After six years of dedicated effort – excluding our COVID hiatus – we are thrilled to offer this milestone experience to everyone who has been a part of our journey.
“With high-profile appearances from influencers, celebrities, stakeholders, political figures, and artists, this event is set to be a star-studded spectacle.
“Expected to join the festivities are the Executive Governor of Lagos, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, along with other esteemed political figures, technocrats, and information managers.”