Australia can deepen engagement with Africa without significantly expanding its current level of aid or diplomatic footprint by working through the Quad, the security partnership that comprises Japan, India, the United States and Australia. Each of these partners already has established engagement frameworks and strategic interests in Africa. Rather than attempting costly new initiatives, Australia can influence critical mineral and agricultural supply chains, support quality infrastructure and strengthen governance through targeted interventions aligned to its strengths and long-standing comparative advantages. Africa is becoming a central arena for competition over minerals, energy, digital infrastructure and maritime routes. Yet Australian engagement remains thin, with resources focused on the Pacific and Southeast Asia. The risk is clear: Australia could become a passive observer while Africa becomes part of the shaping of global supply chains and new strategic alignments. To stay relevant without major spending, the Quad offers a practical, cost-effective solution. Working with Quad partners gives Australia leverage and credibility it cannot generate alone while avoiding the need for new, standalone programs.
Leveraging the Quad for cost-effective engagement with Africa | The Strategist
