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.

JSCFADT chair, the Hon 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," he said.

"It is important to recognise that Africa is not a single market, but comprises discrete economies with separate and diverse opportunities."

Trade Subcommittee chair, Federal Member for Gilmore 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," she said.

"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 inviting written submissions by Friday 19 December 2025.

For more information about this Committee, you can visit the website.