• Countries sign MOUs on skills development and carbon credit cooperation
  

• Bilateral trade hit $138M in 2024; new programs to deepen partnerships

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced during a visit to Ethiopia this week that his country will open an embassy there, its first in East Africa and third on the continent after Egypt and South Africa.

I have the distinct honor of welcoming His Excellency Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore.

Our meeting marks an important milestone in the relationship between our two countries as we continue to deepen cooperation in areas critical to our shared future.… pic.twitter.com/mxNGoVORZL

— Abiy Ahmed Ali ?? (@AbiyAhmedAli) November 24, 2025

The announcement was made at a joint press conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Wong said the opening "bears witness to the commitment" of Singapore towards Ethiopia. He added the embassy will allow his country to strengthen ties with other nations in the sub-region, collaborate better with the African Union and explore new areas of cooperation.

The two sides also signed two memoranda of understanding on skills development and carbon credits, enabling their countries to contribute to achieving their respective climate goals. The second agreement lays the groundwork for cooperation in carbon markets. Singapore is counting on African partnerships to advance towards carbon neutrality and create a regional carbon offset platform.

Ethiopia and Singapore committed in June 2024 to consolidate their partnership in investment, finance, economic development, air connectivity and logistics. Their bilateral trade reached $138 million in 2024, according to the International Trade Centre.

Singapore has launched the "Singapore-Africa Partnership Leading to Growth and Sustainability" (SAPLINGS) program, designed to offer African officials customized study visits, continuing education and postgraduate scholarships at Singaporean universities.

Lydie Mobio