New inquiry – strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa

THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has adopted a new inquiry into the potential to expand Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa.

The Chair of the JSCFADT, Shayne Neumann MP, said, "Australia’s trading relationship with the countries of Africa has strongly focused on the extractives and tourism sectors. Africa is a diverse continent of 54 countries, spanning vastly different resources and development. It is important to recognise that Africa is not a single market, but comprises discrete economies with separate and diverse opportunities."

The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Fiona Phillips MP, said, "Australia has long-standing relations with countries of Africa, with a two-way goods and services trade valued at $12.7 billion in 2024. Over recent years, several African nations have experienced strong economic and population growth and this trend is projected to continue.

"The Committee is keen to examine the opportunities to expand and diversify trade and investment with African nations, including enhancing engagement through the African Continental Free Trade Area. There is great potential for Australia to strengthen its economic and diplomatic relations in the region."

Key themes of the inquiry’s focus include:

• the nature of Australia’s existing trade and investment relations with the region;
• identifying barriers and impediments to trade and investment;
• identifying opportunities for Australian businesses to diversify exports to specific African markets;
• assessing the potential for the African Continental Free Trade Area to stimulate greater economic engagement between Australia and Africa;
• the role of the government in identifying new opportunities and assisting Australian companies to access existing and potential economic opportunities in Africa.

The subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Friday, December 19, 2025.

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