The African Union Joins the G20: A Pivotal Moment for a Continent of 1 Billion People

The global community is witnessing a historic moment as the African Union (AU) is officially welcomed as a permanent member of the G20, underscoring Africa's emergence as a prominent player on the world stage.

With more than 50 countries seeking a more substantial role in global affairs, this development is a testament to the continent's aspirations.

A Long-Awaited Recognition

US President Joe Biden's call for the AU's permanent membership in the G20, along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation during the G20 summit hosted in India, has culminated in this significant milestone.

The African Union had fervently advocated for full membership for seven years, and until now, South Africa was the sole G20 representative from the continent.

The Significance for Africa

Permanent membership in the G20 signifies the ascendancy of a continent characterized by a youthful population of 1.3 billion, projected to double by 2050, making up a quarter of the world's inhabitants.

Africa, with its 55 member states, has consistently pressed for meaningful roles in global bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, and has called for reforms in the global financial system, which often places a disproportionate financial burden on African nations.

Africa is increasingly attracting investment and political interest from a new generation of global powers, extending beyond traditional Western influences. China is now Africa's largest trading partner and a significant lender, while Russia serves as its leading arms provider.

Gulf nations have become major investors, and Turkey has established its largest overseas military base and embassy in Somalia. Israel and Iran are also expanding their engagement with the continent.

African leaders have challenged the portrayal of their continent as a passive victim of conflicts, extremism, and poverty, opting instead to be active brokers in global affairs, as seen in their peace efforts following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The G20's inclusion of the African Union acknowledges Africa as a formidable global power in its own right.

What the African Union Brings to the G20

With full G20 membership, the African Union represents a continent that hosts the world's largest free trade area. Moreover, Africa possesses abundant resources crucial for addressing climate change, even though it contributes the least to global emissions but faces the most severe impacts.

The African continent boasts 60% of the world's renewable energy assets and over 30% of the minerals essential for renewable and low-carbon technologies. For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo alone possesses nearly half of the world's cobalt, a vital component for lithium-ion batteries, according to a recent United Nations report on Africa's economic development.

African leaders are increasingly advocating for more industrial development within the continent to harness its natural assets, thus benefiting their economies. President William Ruto of Kenya emphasized Africa's immense wealth at the first Africa Climate Summit, highlighting the need for fairer treatment by financial institutions, the delivery of promised climate financing by developed countries, and a global tax on fossil fuels.

The African Union's entry into the G20 not only recognizes Africa's growing influence but also signifies a critical step toward addressing global challenges, particularly those related to climate change and sustainable development.

Some relevant and latest facts about the African Union's membership in the G20:

• The African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20 on September 9, 2023.

• The announcement was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the current chair of the G20.

• The AU's membership in the G20 is a major step forward for Africa, which is seeking a more important role on the global stage.

• The AU's membership will give Africa a greater voice in global decision-making on issues such as climate change, food security, and migration.

• It will also help to boost investment in Africa and create jobs.

• The AU is committed to using its new membership in the G20 to promote the interests of Africa and its people.

Here are some other recent facts about the African Union:

• The AU's population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, making it the world's most populous continent.

• Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies, including Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Ghana.

• The AU is working to promote regional integration and trade, and it has established the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is the largest free trade area in the world.

• The AU is also working to address the challenges of climate change, food security, and migration.

The African Union's membership in the G20 is a major milestone for Africa. It is a recognition of Africa's growing importance in the global economy and its potential to contribute to global solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.