Leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies agreed at the G20 summit to grant the African Union, AU, permanent membership last weekend in New Delhi — a historic win not only for the AU, whose members have sought a larger role on the global stage but also for India, which has used its presidency to position itself as the leading voice of low- and middle-income countries in the so-called global south.
The move gives the 55-member AU the same status as the European Union — the only other regional block with permanent G20 membership status — and reflects shifting global power structures and a growing recognition of the geopolitical importance of emerging markets. U.S. President Joe Biden had previously called for the AU to join the G20 as a permanent member, saying at the U.S.-African Leaders Summit last year that it had “been a long time in coming,” and adding that he was “looking forward to hearing more from all of you about the issues and priorities that matter most to Africa.”
Despite the continent representing over 1.3 billion people, its concerns have taken a backseat at the international decision-making level, with many African countries facing a mounting debt crisis, as well as bearing the brunt of global challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change. The AU’s inclusion into the G20 will give it more say on potential economic solutions such as debt relief and climate finance.
About the author
Catherine Davison
Catherine Davison is an independent journalist based in Delhi, India, writing on issues at the intersection of health, gender, and the environment.
