Inclusion of the private sector aims to stimulate new economic and investment opportunities, given the significant potential offered by African markets - November 17, 2025
PM embarks on strategic Africa tour ahead of Sabah election
The series of meetings would strengthen diplomatic ties, drive trade, and unlock new opportunities for Malaysia’s economic growth
PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa and conduct official visits to Ethiopia and Kenya from tomorrow until 25 November, accompanied by government officials and a business delegation.
Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, said the inclusion of the private sector aims to stimulate new economic and investment opportunities, given the significant potential offered by these three African markets, in line with the MADANI Government’s efforts to broaden Malaysia’s international economic reach.
“In Addis Ababa, the visit will commence in Ethiopia, where the Prime Minister will pay a courtesy call on the Ethiopian President,” he said.
“Both leaders will then participate in a high-level Malaysia-Ethiopia business forum to explore trade and investment opportunities.
“Focus will also be given to discussions with the Prime Minister of Utopia on strategic cooperation, followed by the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding.”
The Prime Minister will proceed to Johannesburg to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025. Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, will represent Southeast Asian interests and articulate the region’s collective voice on matters of global importance.
“In addition to the G20 summit, he is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with attending world leaders, participate in a business forum with South African industry players, engage with local Islamic community leaders, and meet Malaysian expatriates in South Africa,” Tunku Nashrul added.
The final leg of the tour will take Prime Minister Anwar to Nairobi, Kenya, where he will meet President William Samoei Ruto.
“He is scheduled for a one-on-one meeting and bilateral discussions with the Kenyan President and will witness the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding. He will also deliver the opening address at the Malaysia-Africa Higher Education Forum, attend the Malaysia-Kenya Business Forum, and interact with the Malaysian diaspora,” he said.
Following the completion of visits to Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya, the Prime Minister and his delegation will return to Kuala Lumpur on 25 November. T
Tunku Nashrul expressed hope that the series of meetings would strengthen diplomatic ties, drive trade, and unlock new opportunities for Malaysia’s economic growth.
The Prime Minister has also sought the prayers and support of Malaysians for successful negotiations and fruitful outcomes that benefit all segments of society.
Upon returning from Africa, Anwar is expected to resume his presence in Sabah to consolidate Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) campaign ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election.
“As previously announced, the Prime Minister has committed to leading the PH team for the election. Once he returns to Kuala Lumpur, we will announce his schedule for Sabah,” Tunku Nashrul stated.
The Sabah election, scheduled for 29 November, will see 596 candidates contesting 73 State Assembly seats, with 1,784,843 registered voters, including ordinary voters, members of the armed forces and police personnel, along with their spouses, eligible to cast their ballots.
Separately, Tunku Nashrul said Anwar will travel to Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya aboard a specially chartered Malaysia Airlines flight, accompanied by government and business delegations.
He explained that the decision was taken to save time, optimise costs, and streamline coordination for the entire delegation.
“Why did we decide to use a chartered flight? It allows us to save time, avoiding lengthy transit delays during a packed schedule across the three countries,” he said.
“It is also cost-efficient, as the chartered flight is more economical compared with full government aircraft operations.
“Finally, it ensures smooth coordination, enabling both government and business delegations to depart and arrive together, guaranteeing punctuality for all meetings and engagements.”
Tunku Nashrul added that the government would bear the full cost for official government delegates, while business delegates would cover their own expenses. He stressed that this arrangement was intended to prevent any misunderstandings arising from the use of a chartered flight for the visit.
Regarding private sector participation, he noted that the business delegation includes leading corporations, innovative enterprises, and emerging companies exploring investment opportunities in Africa. Some of these companies are still in the early stages of market exploration and intend to leverage business forums and networking sessions organised throughout the visit. - November 17, 2025
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