Development assistance

Supporting efforts to improve the quality and reach of social protection is an underpinning element of Australia’s International Development Policy.

Agriculture was one of Australia's first industries and remains one of the main pillars of the Australian economy.

Sri Lanka has successfully limited the spread of COVID-19, however, health, economic and social challenges have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Australia's prosperity is closely tied to that of our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia.

Australia is providing emergency assistance to respond to immediate COVID-19 health security challenges. For example, through the Asian Development Bank, we have helped strengthen COVID-19 surveillance and testing system at the national and provincial laboratories.

Australia and Nepal’s relationship is built on a long‑standing history, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2020.

Australia and Timor-Leste are close neighbours and friends that share deep and enduring ties.  Australia has been at the forefront of international support for Timor-Leste and remains Timor-Leste’s largest development partner.  

Australia is promoting broader stability and cohesion in South Asia through our work on regional cooperation and building people-to-people linkages. The regional South Asia Water Security Initiative (SAWASI) focuses on building health security and stability through providing access to safe and reliable water.

Australia’s development cooperation with African nations helps to advance stability, growth and prosperity. We support countries of Sub-Saharan Africa with targeted development cooperation activities to help build food security and resilience, strengthen government capacity in key sectors, empower vulnerable communities, and share knowledge in areas such as climate adaptation and renewable energy.

Australia is supporting partner countries’ health systems to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic via multilateral organisations, the United Nations system and NGOs.