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The African Union’s admission to the G20 on Saturday will allow the continent to make “its effective contribution” in assisting the world in meeting global challenges, according to AU Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat.
“I welcome the African Union’s entry into the G20 as full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The African Union has 55 members at full strength, but six junta-ruled nations are now suspended. It has a combined GDP of $3 trillion and 1.4 billion people.
As the G20, the grouping contained 19 countries and the European Union, comprising 85 percent of global GDP, with South Africa serving as the continent’s sole member.
“As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform,” Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is at the summit, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kenyan President William Ruto said the move will “give African interests and perspectives voice and visibility in this important body”.
“With Africa poised to grow in the coming years, a seat will allow it to shape the decisions of G20 to ensure the continent’s interests are advanced,” he said.
“The outcome of the just concluded Africa Climate Summit including fundamental reforms of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks is one thing that AU will advance,” he added.
