Africa

Program estimate Estimated other ODA Estimated total ODA

$34.5 million $42.5 million $77.0 million

Africa remains a major development priority for the international community. Australia will play its part in international efforts to assist Africa’s development through a small but strategically targeted aid program focused on southern and eastern Africa. To maximise impact, Australia will focus on promoting good governance by strengthening basic service delivery; responding to humanitarian needs, especially where linked to food security and conflict; and fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS.

In 2005–06, Australia will begin implementation of a new multilateral and donor cooperation framework. Australia will also partner with NGOs in delivering assistance, and utilise regional mechanisms such as the Africa Governance Facility.

Since May 2004, Australia has committed $40 million in assistance to help those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. In 2005–06, Australia will boost its capacity to continue to respond to humanitarian needs in Africa as they arise.

Australia will continue support for the Australian Partnerships with African Communities program. This program works across seven countries to reduce poverty, improve health and food security, and tackle communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. With input from Australian NGOs, the program will build the skills of local NGOs through community-based HIV prevention and AIDS care programs, and provide basic support to orphans and education workers in high-risk groups, such as commercial sex workers.

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