Australia’s UN Security Council interests: why Africa matters

By Kate O’Shaughnessy

Australia’s relationships with African countries have long been modest, with its security and economic interests heavily weighted towards the Indo-Pacific.

But Australia’s Indo-Pacific interests are increasingly intersecting with developments in Africa. China and Russia are gaining increasing influence across the continent, including in security, mining, and media.  And as both those countries challenge global rules and norms, Africa’s buy-in to the international system is on the wane. 

With Australia set to run for a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2029-30, its relationships with the countries of Africa will matter more than they ever have.  This report unpacks the key trends and developments in this complex region, and what it means for Australia.

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Key messages

1. Australia hopes to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2029-30 term. To do so, it will need African support – African countries constitute almost 30 per cent of the United Nations (UN) membership.
2. However, African buy-in to multilateral systems and processes is declining, in tandem with the growing influence of Russia and China across the continent.
3. Australia’s relationships with African countries are modest, with its economic and security interests heavily weighted towards the Indo-Pacific. But if Australia wants a stable Indo-Pacific, committed to the rules-of-the-road, it cannot avoid working with and understanding Africa better.
4. Australia will never be the lead partner in Africa. But there are mutually beneficial ways Australia can work with African countries. Championing UNSC reform and boosting aid on mining and energy are two domains it should prioritise. And at home, developing modest Africa literacy will help Australia better engage in the multilateral system.