New Zealand’s traditional allies the US, the UK and Australia recently signed a new defence pact. The tripartite agreement of AUKUS, as it is called, is seen by some political analysts as a counter measure to China’s Indo-Pacific influence.

Conspicuously, New Zealand is not part of this agreement and the reason seems to be New Zealand’s stance on nuclear arms. The AUKUS group’s focus on their nuclear capabilities - and the nuclear submarine deal at the heart of its foundation - does not align well with Wellington.

While it is important for New Zealand to maintain relationship with the parties to AUKUS, New Zealand’s stance means it now has strategic opportunities to strengthen its other existing relationships and build new alliances.

African countries signed the Pelindaba Treaty in Egypt in 1996, which established the ban of nuclear weapons in the African continent. African Union members ratified this treaty in 2009 and declared no part of Africa would host the manufacture of, research on and testing of nuclear weapons.

Both African countries and New Zealand are in mutual agreement when it comes to nuclear weapons. It would be a smart strategic move for New Zealand to increase the already warm relationship with members of the African Union.

New Zealand has made commitments in tackling greenhouse emissions. It has proposed laws that are meant to tackle the effect of climate change. We passed the Zero Carbon Act, making us one of the few countries to make that leap.

On the international stage, New Zealand has supported global efforts on climate change action. In 2016 New Zealand ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change. New Zealand’s stance on addressing the effects of climate change will be a welcome relief in Africa.

African countries produce a negligible percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, but have suffered significantly due to its effects. Today, they are ready to partner with countries that have shown commitment to tackling the devastating effects of climate change.

On the other hand, New Zealand could support African countries in sharing its expertise in innovative, sustainable agribusiness.

Recently, China, New Zealand’s largest trading partner, has been entangled in a trade war with our biggest ally Australia. Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, warned that New Zealand could easily be drawn into the eye of the storm.

The Minister advised New Zealand exporters to diversify their markets in order to survive should New Zealand’s relationship with China worsen.

In Africa, we might be looking at a convincing option; partners ready to do business. Africa has a huge trading potential especially in the wake of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In 2018, African countries under the auspices of the African Union, established the AfCFTA, a mega project whose objective was to create a single product market and easy movement of people among African countries. AfCFTA boasts that it is to be the largest free trade agreement in terms of member countries since the establishment of the World Trade Organisation.

AfCFTA, although relatively new, is akin to the 11 member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which New Zealand is a founding member.

China has requested New Zealand’s support to join the CPTPP. China has a strong relationship with Africa, through the Forum for China-Africa Corporation (FOCAC), nevertheless it has continued to pursue new alliances and trading partners. Perhaps that’s something New Zealand could learn from.

The timing of AUKUS is a wake-up call for New Zealand policy-makers to seize the opportunities Africa has to offer. The political establishment should also provide visionary leadership by energetically pursuing policies that will deepen New Zealand’s relationship with Africa.

New Zealand would find herself at home with almost half of the African Union members belonging to the Commonwealth. But there’s a need to concentrate on more diplomatic representation in Africa. Currently New Zealand has only 3 embassies there. More representation could initiate Free Trade Agreements with African countries and create a strong bond with the continent.

As we celebrate African Union Day this month to commemorate the establishment of the African Union in the 1999 Sirte declaration, it is imperative for New Zealand to focus on shifting from its warm relationship with Africa to a more robust and strategic engagement.

New Zealand will need to be creative in its approach. But strengthening ties with Africa is crucial at a time when global alliances are changing.

*Abdul Mohamud writes on issues on Africa New Zealand relations and is a founding member of the Africa New Zealand Business Council. Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are his own and do not necessarily express the views of any organisation he’s involved in.