Africa and Middle East

Africa
Regional program estimate for 2008-09: $60 million
Total ODA: $116.4 million

Middle East & Afghanistan
Estimated ODA in 2007-08: $138.8 million

Australia is developing a new strategy for development assistance to Africa. This will see a significant increase in Australian assistance to support progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. We will continue to work with the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the World Bank and the British Department for International Development to deliver aid in Africa.

Australia has a strong record in responding to humanitarian situations in Africa and will continue to help ease the impact of humanitarian crises. Humanitarian assistance will increasingly be linked to broader development efforts in order to achieve long-term gains and, while Australia's humanitarian aid for Africa is relatively small, we will maintain our niche role and strategic approach. We will also continue to closely coordinate our assistance with that of other donors, particularly in relation to a distinct program of support for vulnerable Zimbabweans.

Lessons, knowledge and insights gained from aid experiences in the Pacific and Africa can inform both Australian aid in our region and development initiatives in Africa.