The African diaspora: an asset for enhancing Australia-Africa relations
Australia’s African diaspora seems an untapped resource for the enhancement of Australia-Africa relations.
As is well-established in business and academic circles, diaspora communities present numerous opportunities to enhance foreign relations. Increasingly interpreted as a utility for economic and diplomatic advancement, "diaspora diplomacy" is loosely defined as the strategic enhancement of relations through diasporic networks that remain connected to their countries of origin. Diaspora diplomacy is becoming increasingly relevant to governments and businesses around the world, particularly in India, which has enhanced its global outreach through extensive diasporic networks. India’s diaspora diplomacy has been so effective that a 2018 report by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade outlined the opportunities for Australia’s engagement with the Indian diaspora.
Whilst Australia does have a public diplomacy strategy that encompasses diasporas, Australia’s African diaspora is yet to be interpreted with a similar level of importance to that of Asia-Pacific diaspora groups. This lack of engagement is particularly puzzling in the context of broader trends in diaspora diplomacy, particularly within Africa.
Officially recognising the African diaspora as the 6th region of Africa, the African Union (AU) has long engaged in diaspora diplomacy through the AU Diaspora Division, which seeks to facilitate diasporic participation in Africa’s development. The Zimbabwean government also plans to further engage with its overseas diaspora to enhance its outreach in places such as Australia. Diaspora diplomacy is also officially outlined in the diplomatic strategies of Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, and many other African states.
Australia is home to a richly diverse, vibrant, and ever-expanding African diaspora with individuals and community groups making invaluable contributions to Australia’s economic prosperity. Such groups include the African Women’s Council of Australia, providing invaluable advocacy services for African women, or the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia, advancing the welfare of Africans in Australia’s west, not to mention Youth Activating Youth, which assists young multicultural Australians to socio-economically re-engage with their communities. A glance at the Australian sporting landscape is indicative of the uplifting contribution the African diaspora can make to Australia when provided the deserving platform to do so. Other Australian industries can follow suit by elevating the voices and expertise of Australia’s African diaspora when seeking relevant in-country knowledge and connections while implementing ventures such as expanding Australia-Africa agricultural trade, increasing Australia-Africa university exchange programs, or to meaningfully enhance Australia’s role within Africa’s development in alignment with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
As is rightfully declared both on this platform and in other Australia-Africa organisations, Africa is undoubtedly of major importance to Australia’s trade and foreign policy prospects. Engaging with such a large and diverse continent will demand deep understandings and connections to Africa and its myriad socio-political, cultural, linguistic, and historical dynamics. The 380,000 Australians of African origin (2016) is an obvious network of experience and intimate wisdom to draw upon for the enhancement of Australia–Africa relations. When Africa inevitably comes to the forefront of Australia’s business and diplomatic focus, the knowledge and people-to-people connections of the African diaspora will prove an invaluable networking asset for Australian entities looking to expand their continental outreach. Unfortunately, the African diaspora could fall victim to the Afro-pessimistic misconceptions currently plaguing Australia’s broader continental engagement. However, here again are the obvious benefits of alleviating ignorance and enhancing Australia’s "Africa literacy" by engaging with Australia’s skilled and knowledgeable African diaspora, regardless of origin.
The African Diaspora in Australia is an immense source of benefit and prosperity in numerous ways, and this benefit is capable of expansion where Australia-Africa relations are concerned. All that is required is a proper strategy for Australian entities to engage with the extensive African diaspora networks, organisations, and community groups throughout Australia. With members of the African diaspora already occupying influential roles within Australian businesses, academia, and government, the Australia-Africa relationship would quickly experience the benefits of diaspora engagement in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world.
Written by Hamish Sneyd