Australia’s African Engagement
A presentation by Matthew Neuhaus
Assistant Secretary, Africa Branch, DFAT
Wednesday 22 February, 6:00pm
Refreshments served from 5:30pm
AIIA Conference Centre – Stephen House
32 Thesiger Court
Deakin ACT 2600
Australia’s Africa engagement – encompassing 54 bilateral relationships on one continent of over 1 billion people at the frontline of some of the world’s key economic and security challenges – is more complex and diverse than popularly understood. Over 200 Australian companies, largely in the mining sector, have invested more than $30 billion in the continent. Trade and investment is growing as Africa develops. The growing Africa diaspora in Australia – with over 400,000 African born people in Australia – also plays an increasing role in the relationship. DFAT’s Assistant Secretary for Africa and former Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Matthew Neuhaus, will discuss Australia’s growing engagement in Africa in the context of the continent’s increasing economic and political importance in the world.
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Mr Matthew Neuhaus commenced as Assistant Secretary, Africa Branch in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on 27 July 2015. Prior to this, he was the Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe from January 2011 to March 2015 (accredited also to DRC, Malawi and Zambia).
Mr Neuhaus has served in several senior positions in DFAT in Canberra, including as the Head of the Pacific Engagement Taskforce and Head of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Policy Task Force in 2010. He was the Director of the Political Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London 2002-2008. His previous postings with DFAT include Kenya (1983-1985), Papua New Guinea (1988-1989), New York (1991-94) and Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria – accredited also to Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal and The Gambia (1997-2000). He was seconded to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (Senior Adviser, International Division) from 2001-2002.
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This is an AIIA ACT Branch event.
Registration is encouraged through the following link:
https://aiiaact.tidyhq.com/public/events/10544-australia-s-african-engagement
Registration is also available at the door.