By: The Interpreter

Given the immense logistical challenges faced by Africa's 16 landlocked countries, Australia could carve out a distinct and high-impact role by leveraging its own expertise in managing vast, remote terrains rather than competing on financial aid. Its strategic opportunity lies in becoming a quality assurance and technical standards partner for major global infrastructure investments in the region, focusing on governance, remote logistics, and maintenance.

A primary barrier for these nations is not physical distance but administrative friction, corruption, and inefficiency at borders, which drastically inflate trade costs. Australia could offer technical and diplomatic support to regional economic communities, helping develop and implement voluntary standards and digital trade systems to streamline cross-border processes. This governance-focused intervention requires minimal capital but yields significant leverage by strengthening the institutional frameworks around existing infrastructure.

Australia's specific expertise in remote logistics and climate-resilient maintenance, honed through its Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector and scientific institutions like CSIRO, is directly applicable to Africa's harsh environments. Sharing these skills through targeted workshops and advisory services would enhance the sustainability of transport corridors and reduce long-term operational costs. This approach aligns with Australia's commercial interests, particularly in securing stable supply chains for its significant investments in the African extractives sector.

Such a strategy also facilitates multilateral cooperation. Australia could formalize a Quality Assurance Partnership with allies like Japan, contributing integrity oversight to Japan's financed projects. Furthermore, within its ongoing dialogue with China, Australia could position itself as an advisor on standards and procurement for Chinese-backed infrastructure, ensuring projects deliver sustainable, long-term value for African partners without requiring Australia to commit large-scale capital.