La OIE participa en el Foro Empresarial África-Singapur 2023

Organizado por Enterprise Singapore, el Foro Empresarial África-Singapur 2023, un evento de tres días que tuvo lugar del 29 al 31 de agosto, reunió a líderes empresariales y a las principales partes interesadas de África y Asia para debatir sobre oportunidades de crecimiento en ambas regiones (en inglés).

Initiated in 2010, the Africa Singapore Forum convenes over 5,000 business and government leaders from 30 countries. These dialogues play a critical role in identifying partnerships, growth opportunities, and employment creation across the two vibrant regions. This year’s event was particularly significant as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Africa Southeast Asia Chamber of Commerce, commemorating a decade of ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

Set against the backdrop of a rapidly growing African consumer market and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the Forum highlighted the dual role of trade as both an engine for business growth and as a catalyst for job creation. With international borders reopened, companies have expanded access to a diverse range of business and investment opportunities in sectors such as digitalization, manufacturing, and sustainability. Dialogues and partnerships forged at the Forum have been crucial in shaping the economic landscape and stimulating employment in both Africa and Asia.

The IOE's contribution to the Forum brought a unique perspective to the discussions, particularly by emphasising the often-overlooked "skills angle" in trade debates. By highlighting the interconnectedness between trade, employment, and skill development, IOE demonstrated its readiness to contribute through advocacy and project implementation.

Amadou Sako, IOE Adviser for Africa, was actively engaged in the Forum, attending multiple panel discussions, and sharing IOE's vision on trade and employment effectively in bilateral discussions, topics that are at the core of IOE’s advocacy efforts. 

The event also served as a fitting platform for IOE to promote the work of its Business Coalition for Trade, Employment & Sustainable Development. Established in 2021, the Coalition stands as a unifying force, harmonizing the efforts of Employer and Business Membership Organisations along with businesses of diverse sizes and sectors. The coalition's primary focus is to promote employment growth and sustainable development through trade, anchored in multilateral rules.

The Africa Singapore Business Forum 2023 transcended geographical boundaries to unveil a panorama of opportunities, where trade and employment converged as key pillars of progress. 

© Photo credits: Enterprise Singapore