Alumni Breakfast explores the role of alumni as ambassadors for bilateral economic engagement between Australia and South Africa

Twenty-nine Australia Awards alumni from the greater Pretoria region attended an Alumni Business Breakfast at the Protea Fire & Ice Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa, on 18 February 2026.

The attendees used the opportunity to network with fellow alumni and staff from the local Australian High Commission in Pretoria and Australia Awards Africa. The Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Nazia Nur, delivered introductory remarks while the First Secretary (Trade and Economic) at the Australian High Commission, Brett Elmer, was the guest speaker. He emphasised the trading partnership between Australia and South Africa and the role that the alumni in attendance can play as natural ambassadors for bilateral economic engagement.

In his address, Brett explained his role in supporting and deepening Australia’s commercial engagement in Southern Africa and the collaboration with the Australian Business Chamber of Southern Africa, which serves as the focal point for Australian companies operating in this region. The Chamber brings together Australian businesses, Australian-linked firms, and local partners who share a common interest in strengthening commercial ties between our two countries.

The Second Secretary mentioned the similarities between Australia and South Africa – both are resource-rich economies, multicultural democracies, and operate within rules-based economic systems, and both countries understand that prosperity comes through openness, innovation, and partnership. Both countries also share people who study in each other’s countries, who work across both markets, and who build careers and companies that connect the two economies. The two-way investment relationship between the two countries strengthens both economies and is built on capability and connection.

According to Brett, the Australian Business Chamber of Southern Africa helps to turn economic opportunity into real partnerships. The Chamber provides a forum where businesses can exchange ideas, share insights, and engage with policymakers. It also plays an important role in helping Australian companies understand the South African operating environment – and helping South African stakeholders understand Australian capabilities.

“It also provides a platform for networking, advocacy, and practical collaboration. But beyond that, it represents something deeper: the reality that Australia and South Africa are not just trading partners – they are economic partners. And it is a partnership of real substance”, he added.

Regarding the role alumni can play, Brett says if the Chamber is the platform, people like the alumni are the foundation.

“Because ultimately, trade and investment relationships are driven by trust. And trust is built between people. Australia Awards alumni represent a uniquely powerful network in this regard. You have lived in Australia. You understand how Australians think, how Australian businesses operate, and what Australian institutions value. You understand what Australia has to offer to the South African economy”, he added.

Our alumni are, in many ways, natural ambassadors for bilateral economic engagement and the impact of these people-to-people links can be seen in real success stories such as the example of South32 that has built a substantial presence in South Africa and operates the only primary aluminium smelter in South Africa, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the largest in the world. Its aluminium export value chain extends from Western Australia to Southern Africa, Europe and the United States. South32’s Hillside Aluminium smelter, with Rio Tinto’s Richards Bay mineral sands project, is the largest taxpayer and employer in KwaZulu-Natal and contributes around R10 billion to South Africa’s GDP, and provides around 1,800 direct and thousands more indirect jobs.

Although the Australia–South Africa economic relationship remains strong, Brett feels it is far from fully realised. There are significant unexplored opportunities, such as the global energy transition – for example, the potential for collaboration in critical minerals, renewable energy, and battery value chains; mining, especially around the new focus on technology and sustainability; as well as opportunities in infrastructure, financial services, education, agribusiness, and digital technologies. Australian companies increasingly see South Africa as a base for expanding into African markets, while South African firms increasingly see Australia as a gateway into Asia-Pacific markets.

This is where policymakers – and professionals like the alumni – have an important role to play: “You shape the regulatory environment. You influence institutional partnerships. You build professional networks. You help identify opportunities for collaboration. And sometimes, your role is simply to make connections – to introduce people, to open doors, to share knowledge. These actions may seem small, but collectively, they shape the trajectory of bilateral economic engagement. Australia Awards alumni represent one of the most valuable assets in the bilateral relationship, for Australia and – just as importantly – for South Africa. You bring understanding, credibility, and connection”.

Brett concluded by encouraging the alumni to remain engaged with Australian businesses, the Chamber and with each other.

“Because the next chapter of Australia – South Africa economic cooperation will not be written by governments alone. It will be written by people”.