Africa is a diverse continent of great dynamism and economic potential. Australia is committed to supporting African nations as partners for regional and global stability and a rules-based international system that delivers economic growth, security and human development.

Australia has longstanding ties with many African nations and strong people to people links. We have a vibrant African diaspora who are making a valuable contribution to our relations with the African continent.

We also have strong and growing trade and investment connections with Africa.

Political and diplomatic ties

Australia has diplomatic relations with all 54 African UN-member states.

Australia has established ties with regional African organisations-accredited to the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

We are strengthening our engagement through meetings and Ministerial visits between Australia and countries in Africa. The annual Australia-Africa Week in Perth and the Africa Down Under mining conference, as well as Mining Indaba in South Africa, are key events where we advance our shared interests.

Trade and investment

Australia's two-way goods and services trade with Africa was valued at $9.6 billion in 2021. Our largest export is wheat, valued at over $900 million in 2021, with the majority going to South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Sudan. Our largest import, gold, was valued at over $1.6 billion in 2021, and primarily came from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Ghana, and South Africa. Our second largest import from Africa in 2021 was crude petroleum, valued at just over $1 billion.

Australian investment in Africa is significant, particularly in the resources sector. There are over 170 ASX-listed companies operating in 35 countries in Africa. South Africa is our largest investment partner in Africa, and has a range of key investments in Australia.

For more information on doing business and opportunities in Africa please see the Austrade website.

Development cooperation

Australia’s development cooperation with African nations helps to advance stability, growth and prosperity. We support countries of Sub-Saharan Africa with targeted development cooperation activities to help build food security and resilience, strengthen government capacity in key sectors, empower vulnerable communities, and share knowledge in areas such as climate adaptation and renewable energy.

Our development cooperation program reflects the diverse challenges and opportunities across the African continent. We tailor our support to help advance social and economic development in African nations, in areas where Australian can make the greatest difference through specific skills and expertise. This includes in the sectors of education, health, mining, and science and technology.

We deliver humanitarian and development support through partnerships, including with Australian agencies, NGOs, the UN, and other multilateral agencies. Australian education institutions are key partners in the delivery of training and skills development for governments, civil society and the private sector. We also provide support directly to community-level organisations through small grants.

The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a competitive small grants scheme that partners with community level organisations to support projects which directly contribute to social and economic development outcomes. For more detail on DAP see the websites for Australia’s missions in Africa.

More information on development assistance to Sub Saharan Africa.

Peace and security

Australia is committed to supporting African leadership to advance peace and security in Africa, and to providing targeted support for missions and initiatives that help counter terrorism and violent extremism and build peaceful communities.

Australian Defence Force personnel are currently serving in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The Australian Defence Force is also assisting the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai, Egypt. In the past, Australian personnel have served in UN missions in Mali, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Western Sahara and Namibia.

Outside of the peacekeeping sphere, Australia and African countries also cooperate on a range of defence and peace and security matters. Since 2011, Australia has deployed a Defence Attaché to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Australia provides annual training to African Defence personnel with a peacekeeping focus.

We cooperate with organisations such as the UN Office for Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) and the UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Australia contributes to the UN Peacebuilding Fund. It provides fast, flexible funding to address drivers of conflict and build sustainable peace.

Collaboration opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa

There are several ways to become involved in Australia's development cooperation with Sub-Saharan Africa and with other developing countries. Keep track of new opportunities on the AusTender website.