Empowering communities in the western indian ocean : through australia’s direct aid program

For years, Australia has been deeply engaged with local communities across Mauritius, Madagascar, and Comoros through its transformative Direct Aid Program (DAP) where funding support of up to AUD 60,000 (approximately Rs 1.7 million), per project, has helped tackle challenges, empower communities and uplift lives.
From building climate-resilient communities and improving access to healthcare, to advancing education and promoting gender equality, DAP has been a catalyst for change across the Indian Ocean region – where, as an Indian Ocean neighbour, Australia is committed to promoting an open, stable and prosperous region.
In Mauritius, DAP has supported the island’s first commercial processing unit for macadamia – a superfood indigenous to Australia. I am proud to have launched this pioneering initiative in partnership with Bella Blossoms Agricultural Marketing Society earlier this year – a significant milestone promoting local production, enhancing food security, and unlocking new economic opportunities for farmers across the island.
Another initiative that I was thrilled to launch this year, through DAP, was youth-led advocacy programmes in Rodrigues, facilitated by Gender Links, which promoted young people’s access to crucial information on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Beyond Mauritius and Rodrigues, DAP’s reach extends across the region. In Madagascar last year, Australian NGO, Australian Doctors for Africa delivered critical medical assistance – conducting 79 consultations and 18 major surgeries and leading a two-day Arthroscopy Training Programme for 15 orthopaedic specialists and trainees. In Comoros, a DAP-supported reforestation initiative led by the NGO Dahari brought together 695 farmers in a collective effort to restore biodiversity and combat climate change.
These are just a few of the many impactful projects supported by DAP. Over the years, there have been countless others – and there will be many more to come – as Australia continues to partner with grassroots organisations and invest in community-led development to build a brighter future for the Indian Ocean region.
DAP is currently open for applications across Mauritius (including Rodrigues), Madagascar, and Comoros – reflecting Australia’s commitment to support community- led development initiatives. This is a great opportunity for local organisations to bring
their ideas to life through a grant of up to AUD 60,000, and I encourage those working on development projects to reach out if they’re interested in applying. Applications close on Sunday, 23 November 2025.
Whether you’re focused on strengthening climate resilience, advancing education, promoting gender equality, or building disaster-ready communities, DAP could be the support you need to make it happen. More information, including how to apply, is available on our website: https://mauritius.embassy.gov.au/plut/DAPFY2025-2026.html
H.E. Kate Chamley High Commissioner of Australia to the Republic of Mauritius