Singaporean businesses are deepening their footprint in Africa, with companies across logistics, shipping, and manufacturing seizing new opportunities on the continent.
On the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria, the Lagos Free Zone, managed by Singapore-based Tolaram, has become a hub of activity. Spanning 850 hectares next to the Chinese-run Lekki Port, the zone offers tax breaks and customs incentives for manufacturers. Global brands such as Kellogg’s, Colgate-Palmolive, and BASF have already set up operations there, lured by its investor-friendly environment. The site itself carries a distinctly Singaporean imprint, from its neatly kept palm-lined avenues to the Asian-inspired décor at its headquarters.
Tolaram is just one of several Singaporean players expanding in Africa. Others include Olam International, which started in Nigeria before moving its headquarters to Singapore, and Wilmar International, a leading food processor. As Singaporean firms seek to diversify beyond Asia, Africa is increasingly seen as a natural growth destination.
Shipping at the Core
Singapore’s long-standing strength in shipping makes Africa a logical partner. Pacific International Lines (PIL), one of the country’s largest shipping groups, has been active in Africa for more than half a century. From initial routes to East Africa and the Red Sea, PIL now services more than 40 ports across the continent, with about 30% of its Asian exports headed to African markets.
“Africa is not just a future market—it is already delivering results,” said Lionel Chatelet, PIL’s chief commercial officer. He highlighted the region’s fast-growing cities, expanding middle class, infrastructure projects, and abundant natural resources as compelling reasons for Singaporean firms to commit to Africa for the long term. PIL is also branching into intermodal transport, using trucks and rail to reach landlocked areas, and is exploring partnerships to expand last-mile delivery solutions.
Driving Digital Trade
Singapore’s expertise in digital innovation is also shaping its presence in Africa. CrimsonLogic, a pioneer in trade and logistics digitalisation, operates a regional hub in Rwanda and has implemented projects in Djibouti, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, and Nigeria. Known for launching the world’s first electronic trade declaration portal, the firm has been supporting African governments since the 1990s.
“Africa’s rapid urbanisation and youthful, tech-savvy population make it an ideal place to deploy our expertise,” said Chee Boon Lim, CrimsonLogic’s senior director for Africa and Asia-Pacific. He noted that African governments are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure, creating momentum for modern trade and public service platforms.
Building Value Locally
Beyond logistics and digitalisation, Singaporean companies are eyeing opportunities in value-added industries, particularly agribusiness. Tolaram’s Lagos Free Zone mirrors Singapore’s own development model of pairing industrial manufacturing with world-class ports. Meanwhile, Valency International, an agri-commodities company, has been investing in agro-processing for over a decade.
“Africa is critical for us, with its vast farmland, young population, and growing food demand,” said Anoor Nalla Senapathy, Valency’s Group CFO. The company recently opened a large supply chain facility in Ibadan, Nigeria, to store and process crops. Senapathy stressed that agro-processing can transform Africa’s economies by creating jobs, boosting export revenues, and reducing losses from unprocessed produce.
Development financiers, including British International Investment, France’s Proparco, and the IFC, have backed Valency’s projects, reflecting the potential of agribusiness to replicate Singapore’s industrialisation model.
Lessons from Singapore
While Africa’s development path will differ from Singapore’s, the city-state’s strategy of leveraging logistics to fuel industrial growth offers valuable lessons. For African countries striving to expand manufacturing and agro-processing, partnerships with Singaporean firms could play a crucial role in driving long-term economic transformation.
