MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Hunt
Australia will provide five fellowships to governments in eastern and southern Africa to support improvements in good governance and administration of their natural resources.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Greg Hunt, said economic growth was a key to poverty reduction in Africa.
'The mining sector continues to be one of Africa's most significant engines for growth,' Mr Hunt said.
'Drawing on Australia's experience in managing natural resources, we will support five fellows to study, research or undertake professional attachments in Australia.
'Fellowships will be awarded to public officials in departments that are directly managing their countries' natural resources and related revenue flows.
'The fellowships will provide scholarships in public finance, public administration and management of health and education systems.
'This support for improved education will play an important role in complementing Australia's broader efforts to help eastern and southern African countries.'
The fellowships form part of the $8.7 million Australian Scholarships for Africa program and $94.4 million in aid to Africa in 2007-08.
Mr Hunt said the Australian Government had made good governance a key priority as part of its overseas aid program.
'The White Paper on the Australia Aid Program integrates governance as a key priority across the program's activities,' Mr Hunt said.
'This has been reinforced by the 2007-08 Budget in which the Government announced an additional $41 million under the Better Governance and Leadership Initiative.'
Media contacts:
John Deller (Mr Hunt's office) on 0400 496 596
AusAID Public Affairs on 0417 680 590