Singapore Inc's interest in Africa is growing

BUSINESS Times journalist Andrea Soh had two articles on Africa in the BT of June 6. As director of the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies, I am heartened to see Africa on the front page (and page 2) of The Business Times.

The centre was created in 2014 with the express purpose of increasing awareness of Africa as an investment destination among Singaporean and Asean businesses.

At the time, Africa was seen as the rising continent, hence the tag "Africa Rising". Unfortunately for the countries in Africa, a number of foreign factors over which they had no control temporarily halted the "Africa Rising" narrative. This was in spite of Afro-optimists such as Indorama, Olam, PIL, Tolaram and Wilmar, all based in Singapore, doing well for themselves in Africa; other Singapore-based African champions would include Vega Foods, Aluzinc, Surbana Jurong, Crimson Logic and Hyflux, to name just a few.