Vietnam and African Nations Forge Deeper Economic Ties at “Meet Africa 2025”
Hanoi, December 12, 2025 — In a significant move to bolster economic collaboration and explore burgeoning market opportunities, Vietnamese enterprises and a delegation of African diplomats convened in Hanoi for the pivotal “Meet Africa 2025” event. This initiative aims to foster expanded trade, diversify investment flows, and solidify enduring economic partnerships between Vietnam and a host of African nations.
The high-profile gathering saw the participation of ambassadors and official representatives from eleven African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, Chad, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Somalia, Senegal, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Alongside these esteemed guests, senior officials from various Vietnamese ministries and leaders from prominent Vietnamese enterprises were present, underscoring the mutual commitment to advancing bilateral relations.
A key moment during the event was the reaffirmation of shared prosperity goals between Ethiopia and Vietnam. During a dedicated roundtable discussion within “Meet Africa 2025,” Ethiopian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Dessie Dalkie, engaged with Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Nguyen Minh Hang. Their dialogue served to strengthen the already growing partnership in economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
A Vision for Shared Growth and Development
In her opening address, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang eloquently highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between Vietnam and the African continent. She emphasized a shared legacy of struggles for independence and a common aspiration for robust development, forming a strong foundation for enhanced collaboration.
Minister Hang articulated Vietnam’s ambitious national vision of achieving high-income status by 2045. She noted that this objective aligns seamlessly with Africa’s ascendant role as a major global growth engine, creating a fertile ground for more profound and mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Deputy Minister further identified several key sectors ripe for extensive cooperation. These include:
- Infrastructure Development: Projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade across both regions.
- Energy Sector: Exploring opportunities in renewable energy and traditional energy sources to meet growing demands.
- Green Transition: Collaborating on sustainable practices and technologies to address climate change and promote environmental stewardship.
- Digital Transformation: Leveraging technological advancements to drive economic efficiency and innovation.
- Tourism: Developing and promoting tourism circuits to foster cultural exchange and economic benefits.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Sharing expertise and resources to improve agricultural productivity and ensure stable food supplies.
Minister Hang affirmed Vietnam’s sincere readiness to share its valuable experiences in economic reform, development strategies, and successful global integration with its African partners. She stressed that this exchange of knowledge and best practices is crucial for mutual advancement.
Empowering Businesses for Substantive Partnerships
Recognizing the indispensable role of the private sector in fostering tangible relationships, Deputy Minister Hang underscored the essential contribution of businesses in strengthening Vietnam-Africa ties. She assured attendees that the Vietnamese government remains committed to creating a conducive environment for its enterprises to actively pursue and expand cooperation with African countries.
To further invigorate these connections, Minister Hang issued a call to action for ministries, local authorities, and companies to adopt a more proactive approach in building bridges. She pledged the full support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its endeavor to elevate bilateral relations to serve as a exemplary model of South-South Cooperation.
African Diplomats Express Optimism and Seek Investment
African ambassadors present at the event conveyed their profound admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable socio-economic achievements, particularly those realized over the past four decades since the implementation of its Doi Moi (Renewal) policy. They expressed a keen interest in learning from Vietnam’s successful development trajectory and its governance reforms.
The diplomats actively encouraged reputable Vietnamese firms to explore the diverse investment opportunities available across the African continent. They specifically highlighted key sectors that are pivotal for regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including:
- Transport: Enhancing logistics and transportation networks.
- Infrastructure: Investing in foundational projects that support economic growth.
- Energy: Developing power generation and distribution systems.
Ambassador Dessie Dalkie Dukamo of Ethiopia elaborated on Africa’s significant demand and untapped potential for cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation. Similarly, Ambassador Abakar Saleh Chahaimi of Chad showcased his country’s inherent advantages in gold, petroleum, and arable land, while expressing a strong interest in collaborations related to the energy transition, infrastructure development, and tourism.
The enthusiasm was palpable among Vietnamese enterprises as well, with many expressing a burgeoning interest in expanding their operations and partnerships into African markets. This reciprocal interest signals highly promising prospects for the future of Vietnam-Africa economic engagement, paving the way for a new era of shared growth and mutual prosperity.
