Strengthening Australia-Africa ties: NSC's Africa Working Group advances collaboration

In September, NSC travelled to Perth to participate in Australia-Africa Week, highlighting a shared commitment to enhancing collaboration between Australia and Africa. 

Building on the vision established by NSC’s Africa Working Group (AWG) earlier this year, NSC organised the inaugural futures-oriented workshop at Curtin University for the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN), led by Dr Melissa Permezel and Aletana Ajulo, to explore key challenges and opportunities in Australia-Africa relations. Participants, including diplomats and academics, emphasised the need for capability, collaboration, and courage to leverage Africa’s dynamic youth, natural resources, and indigenous knowledge while addressing challenges like climate and corruption. 

NSC, AWG members, and AAUN leaders also met with DFAT officials and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Thethe Hon Tim Watts MP to discuss Africa engagement, underscoring the role of diaspora voices in policy development. The week concluded with the Western Australia African Community Awards Ceremony, celebrating leaders, youth, and women in the African community. 

NSC’s focus on collaboration with Africa is ongoing, including consultations with African diaspora Heads of Mission, and Assistant Minister Watts. NSC plans to continue to build on this platform through The National Security Podcast, policy engagement activities, publications, and an Africa session during the SES1 program commencing in November.  

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