On Saturday, the African Union officially joined the G20, marking a significant milestone that enables the continent to actively contribute towards addressing global challenges. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the AU Commission, emphasized the importance of this development in fostering effective global cooperation.
“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, with its full complement of 55 member states, presently has six nations under suspension due to military juntas. Together, these member countries contribute to a combined GDP of $3 trillion, hosting a population of approximately 1.4 billion people.
The G20, comprised of 19 individual countries and the European Union, collectively accounted for 85 percent of the global GDP. South Africa stood as the sole representative from the African continent within this influential assembly.
“As a continent, we eagerly anticipate furthering our global aspirations through active participation on the G20 platform,” stated Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently attending the summit. He shared this message on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his belief that this move would “amplify African interests and perspectives, granting them a prominent presence within this pivotal body.”
“As Africa readies itself for substantial growth in the years ahead, obtaining a seat will enable us to shape G20 decisions to promote the continent’s interests,” President Ruto emphasized.
Furthermore, he added, “The recent Africa Climate Summit’s outcomes, including fundamental reforms within international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, are key priorities that the African Union will actively advocate for.”
