Africa and Southeast Asia are emerging as global economic powerhouses, with immense potential for collaboration. Together, these regions represent fast-growing populations and booming markets. By 2050, Africa will reach 2.5 billion people, while Southeast Asia, home to 700 million, is set to become the world’s fourth-largest economy.
Economic ties between these regions are stronger than ever. Trade has surged from $2.8 billion in 1990 to over $42 billion today, growing at 14% annually. Key industries driving this growth include consumer goods, agribusiness, manufacturing, energy, and urban development.
Strategic partnerships are also on the rise. Indonesia has secured $3.5 billion in deals with African nations, focusing on geothermal energy and pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, leading energy firms have pledged $500 million to expand solar power, micro-grids, and clean cooking solutions across both regions.
To accelerate this momentum, initiatives like the Collective Africa-Southeast Asia Platform are fostering business connections and knowledge exchange. This collaboration is shaping the future, unlocking opportunities in technology, infrastructure, and education.
- Africa's combined nominal GDP is anticipated to reach approximately $2.8 trillion in 2025
- The median age in Africa is 19.9 years (2025).
- Currently, 44.5 % of the population of Africa is urban
- As of March 21, 2025, Southeast Asia's population is approximately 700,031,699, accounting for about 8.5% of the global population
- Southeast Asia's is also the third-largest economy in Asia.
- The population density in Southeast Asia's is 160 per Km2