The African Professionals of Australia (APA) Tasmania Chapter officially launched on Saturday, 26 September 2026, bringing African professionals, entrepreneurs, students, community representatives and government figures together at the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus in Hobart. Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging: Thriving as an African Professional in Australia,” the launch focused on career development, professional recognition, leadership, workplace inclusion and stronger networks for African professionals across the state.
The event featured a keynote address from Dr Ali Kidmas, with contributions from Michael Ferguson MP, David Wan representing Marcus Vermey MP, and John Kamara. A panel featuring Dr David Onu, Dr Ikechi Gbenimacho and Dr Nchafatso Gikenyi Obonyo examined the challenges faced by African professionals after migration, including recognition of overseas experience, access to professional networks and finding opportunities to advance their careers.
A view of APA networking meeting in Hobart Tasmania (Photo source: linked in)
Those issues have wider significance as Tasmania looks to strengthen workforce participation and build skills for future industries. Skills Tasmania’s 2026 workforce programs are focused on helping underrepresented Tasmanians connect with training and employment, while its current regional employment projections cover workforce needs through 2035. The state is also investing in training designed to help workers upskill, transition careers and respond to industry demand.
For African professionals, stronger professional networks could help translate existing qualifications and experience into employment, business and leadership opportunities in Tasmania. Australia’s migration system brings workers with professional backgrounds from across Africa, but migrants can encounter challenges around recognition of overseas qualifications, professional registration, local networks and understanding the Australian labour market. The APA launch positioned networking and peer connections as practical tools for addressing some of these barriers.
The economic opportunity extends beyond individual careers. A stronger network of African professionals can connect entrepreneurs with potential customers, mentors and collaborators while creating links between businesses, employers and community organisations. The launch organisers said the event was intended to help professionals “find their place, grow their careers and make a real impact across the state,” placing professional advancement alongside wider community and economic contribution.
The Tasmania chapter also has the potential to connect African expertise with Tasmania’s demand for skilled workers. The Tasmanian Government is currently supporting programs aimed at improving employment outcomes, expanding training and responding to industry-identified skills needs. The launch’s participation by government representatives therefore provided a platform for discussion about how African professionals’ knowledge, qualifications and experience could be better recognised and connected with opportunities in the state.
For APA Tasmania, the September 26 launch marks the beginning of a longer-term effort to build professional connections across the state. “This is just the beginning,” the organisation said, as it looks to develop a community where African professionals can build careers, businesses and leadership roles while contributing their skills to Tasmania. With its focus on networking, professional development and collaboration, the new chapter could provide another pathway for African professionals to participate more fully in Tasmania’s workforce and economic life.
