Murdoch University will investigate the contemporary policy challenges for Africa surrounding the extractive industry through a major forum as part of Perth’s highly regarded Africa Week.

The forum is part of the Third Murdoch Commission, a research investigation bringing together international experts and thought leaders to work on pressing problems and issues of public concern to Africa.

In her opening address for Africa Week at a special event on Sunday, Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen said the University had answered the call to action from the Africa Progress Panel.

“Over the last 10 years, the Africa Progress Panel led by Mr Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel laureate, played a significant role in highlighting the need for bolder actions to move forward the transformation agenda in Africa,” Professor Leinonen said.

“Through our Third Commission we seek to make a small contribution to answering the APP’s call. The core focus of our work will be investigating the research and applied policy questions and innovations that are essential to driving forward the implementation agenda set out by the APP.

“In that light we are most pleased to serve as an international academic partner of the Africa Progress Group, which is to be established by Panel member, and former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

“We are particularly proud to host Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for Africa Week in Perth, where I am most certain that his insightful contributions will greatly enrich the Africa Week Down Under conference and participate in our Third Commission.”

Joining the Africa transformation agenda

Through a series of forums over 18 months, the Third Murdoch Commission is investigating the Blue Economy, sustainable farming, food production, electricity and energy.

Professor Leinonen said agricultural, geographical and geological similarities meant Western Australia could play a key role in Africa’s future.

“Like most countries on the east and southern coast of the giant African continent, Perth is an Indian Ocean Rim city, and so we naturally find our place amongst the cities similarly located including many that are in the closest coastal African countries to Australia,” Professor Leinonen said.

“Western Australia is a very successful and mature mining state with a geology that was at one time literally connected to Africa’s geology so we share many of the same issues in exploration and mining and a willingness to share our experience, learn from and also enter into partnership with several African countries with a significant mining sector.

“However, it is not only just what can be taken out and transformed to create wealth in Australia and Africa that interests us. The weathering process of rocks also give rise to similar soils, and so geology further connects our agriculture as well.

As part of Murdoch University’s partnership in Africa Week, the University hosted the 8^th Annual Africa-Australia Research Forum on 28 August, focusing on the impact of Blockchain technology. It forms part of the Africa Downunder Conference.  

CAPTION: Vice-Chancellor Eeva Leinonen with the Hon. Ivan Leslie, Deputy Prime Minister, Republic of Mauritius and Senator Linda Reynolds, Assistant Minister for Home Affairs