Supply chain and transportation will be one of the talking points topping the agenda during the visit by a delegation of Singaporean companies to South Africa this week.
In addition, the high-level visit will serve to explore partnerships in manufacturing and consumer goods, as trade between the two nations has almost doubled over the past four years.
Organised by Enterprise Singapore, the city-state’s trade and enterprise agency, the visit forms part of its Scale-Up Programme, which aims to connect Singaporean firms with South African counterparts and identify collaboration opportunities across sectors including agri-processing and industrial supply.
Rahul Ghosh, Enterprise Singapore’s director for the Middle East and Africa, said the two countries already enjoyed strong bilateral ties, with a growing number of Singaporean businesses operating in South Africa.
He added that the mission sought to unlock new opportunities for both sides, particularly at a time of uncertainty in global trade and investment flows.
The delegation includes several Singapore-based firms such as steel infrastructure specialist Mlion Corporation, car-leasing company Lumens, snack manufacturer Cocoba, refurbished-device trader Mercantile Pacific, and industrial equipment supplier Chee Fatt.
Reuters reported over the weekend that meetings had been arranged with major local and regional players, including Tolaram Group and FLSmidth, to discuss possible partnerships and investment projects.
Enterprise Singapore has identified manufacturing, agri-processing and logistics as priority areas for cooperation.
The visit comes as countries seek to strengthen commercial partnerships and secure access to key markets and materials amid shifting tariff regimes and persistent supply chain disruptions that are redrawing global trade routes.
Official data shows that trade in goods between Singapore and South Africa reached $1.4 billion in 2024, nearly double the level recorded in 2020, underscoring the growing economic ties between the two economies.
