25 February 2026
The High Commission of the Commonwealth of Australia, resident in Harare, Zimbabwe, hosted the Australia Day Reception in Lusaka at Onoma Restaurant, Rhodes Park. The event was graced by the Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati, MP, as Guest of Honour. The reception brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the private sector, civil society, international organisations, media practitioners, and members of the Australian and Zambian communities.
H.E. Minoli Perera, Australian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe and Zambia welcomed distinguished guests and expressed appreciation for their presence at the third Australia Day celebration held in Zambia. She highlighted that Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s core values, liberal democracy, the rule of law, equality, mutual respect, fairness, tolerance, compassion, and resilience.
While acknowledging that Australia Day is officially commemorated on 26 January, marking the arrival of European settlers in 1788, she emphasised that Australia’s story spans over 65,000 years of Indigenous stewardship and cultural heritage. Successive waves of migration, including a growing African diaspora and Zambian community, have contributed to shaping modern, prosperous Australia.
The High Commissioner underscored Australia’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation. As a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, Australia played a key role in drafting the UN Charter and held the first Presidency of the Security Council in 1946. Today, Australia continues to advocate for UN reform to ensure it remains responsive to contemporary global challenges.
Australia channels approximately 40 percent of its over US$5 billion annual development assistance through multilateral institutions. Through initiatives such as the Australia Centre for International Agricultural Research, the country has contributed significantly to poverty reduction and climate-responsive agriculture in Africa, with expanded funding of US$76.4 million supporting food security and climate adaptation efforts.
In education, Australia is the eighth-largest contributor to the Global Partnership for Education, having provided nearly US$600 million globally, including approximately US$153 million invested in Zambia since 2008. These efforts aim to ensure every child has access to quality education and opportunity.
The High Commissioner also highlighted Australia’s leadership in humanitarian protection, referencing the launch of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel at the UN General Assembly, which has garnered support from over 100 countries.
On global peace and security, Australia continues to support sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing humanitarian assistance in regions affected by conflict, including Ukraine and Sudan.
Domestically, Australia has demonstrated leadership in digital governance. On 10 December 2025, it became the first country to legislate a ban on social media platforms allowing children under 16 to hold accounts, placing responsibility on companies to safeguard young users.
The High Commissioner described Zambia and Australia’s partnership as one founded on shared democratic values and mutual respect, reinforced by membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. She noted the historic parliamentary delegation to Zambia led by the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives in 2025, which strengthened inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Australia continues to support Zambia’s development aspirations through:
The Australia Awards Scholarship Programme, benefiting approximately 300 Zambians in postgraduate studies and short professional courses.
Investment in Zambia’s mining sector by Australian companies such as First Quantum Minerals and Prospect Resources, contributing to Zambia’s goal of increasing copper production to 3 million metric tons annually by 2031.
The Australian NGO Cooperation Programme, funding projects valued at approximately US$2 million focused on livelihoods, food security, WASH initiatives, capacity building, and gender equality.
She concluded by reaffirming Australia’s commitment to working collaboratively with Zambia in addressing global and national priorities.
The Minister of Technology and Science, Hon Felix Mutati MP, congratulated the Government and people of Australia on their National Day and commended Australia’s enduring commitment to democracy, unity, and global leadership.
He noted that 2026 marks 60 years of bilateral relations between Zambia and Australia—a milestone reflecting a partnership built on shared values of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. Over the decades, cooperation has expanded across mining, health, education, agriculture, governance, and climate change.
The Minister expressed gratitude for Australia’s contribution to Zambia’s human capital development through scholarships and technical cooperation, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and medicine. He also acknowledged Australian support to local non-governmental organisations in areas such as food security, child protection, and women’s empowerment.
Minister Mutati highlighted the steady growth of Australian investment in Zambia’s mining sector, now exceeding US$400 million. He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to reforms aimed at achieving the national target of producing 3 million metric tons of copper annually, noting the critical role of credible investment partners in this journey.
He emphasised Zambia’s ambition to harness digital transformation as a driver of economic growth. He informed the gathering that Zambia has developed an Artificial Intelligence Strategy and expressed interest in learning from Australia’s AI framework.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that AI delivers economic opportunity, investment growth, and meaningful transformation while prioritising safety and responsible implementation, particularly to create employment opportunities for young people.
The Minister commended Australia’s legislation to protect children under 16 from social media exposure, describing it as a progressive and globally commendable initiative worthy of study.
The Australia Day Reception in Lusaka served not only as a celebration of Australia’s national identity and achievements but also as a reaffirmation of the deepening partnership between Zambia and Australia. Rooted in shared democratic values and mutual respect, the relationship continues to expand across education, investment, climate action, governance, and digital innovation.
The evening concluded with a toast to the continued prosperity, cooperation, and friendship between the Republic of Zambia and the Commonwealth of Australia.
