Rwanda is among 14 African countries participating in the fifth Singapore-Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV), a high-level forum aimed at deepening cooperation and sharing development experiences.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, is leading the delegation in Singapore, where the three-day meeting runs from August 26 to 28. The event is chaired by Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.
“Through this programme, we aim to have open and candid discussions on our countries’ development journeys and explore opportunities for future collaboration,” Dr. Balakrishnan said in his opening remarks.
The ministers and other delegates attending SAMEV represent Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The forum provides a platform for African and Singaporean leaders to discuss sustainable development, climate change, and trade and investment opportunities. It coincides with Singapore’s 60th anniversary as an independent nation, a milestone underscoring the importance of continued dialogue between the two regions.
Rwanda and Singapore already maintain strong cooperation in education, technology, and environmental initiatives, including carbon trade and clean energy. Officials said SAMEV will further explore partnerships in these areas, as well as human resource development.
In parallel, African delegates are attending the 8th Africa-Singapore Business Forum, organized by Enterprise Singapore, which connects businesses to identify trade and investment synergies between the regions.
Dr. Balakrishnan highlighted the strategic potential of both Africa and Southeast Asia, citing Africa’s young population of 1.3 billion and abundant natural resources, alongside Southeast Asia’s growing digital and green economies.
“By working together, we can accelerate development in Africa and Southeast Asia, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth,” he said.
This year’s SAMEV underscores the long-standing friendship between Singapore and African countries, building on decades of exchanges, official visits, and cooperation agreements. Rwanda has previously partnered with Singapore in areas including climate action, technology transfer, and skills development.
