Africa Down Under to start in Perth

The three-day Africa Down Under conference will start in Perth, attracting hundreds of leaders from the business, mining and political worlds.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett and federal opposition spokesperson for foreign affairs Tanya Plibersek will be among key speakers at the event.

More than 1000 delegates are expected, down from the conference's peak of about 2400 in 2012.

Government officials from countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Gabon, Malawi and Lesotho are scheduled to attend.