AU’s elevation as a permanent member at the global high table, G20, last week, is indeed a watershed moment for the Global South. It marks the first expansion of the bloc since it was created in 1999 and is hailed as a big diplomatic victory for India who championed AU’s cause.
What does it signal? Let us first look at the implications at the global, continental, and bilateral levels.
At the macro level, AU’s entry into G20, a Forum for international cooperation, is more strategic than symbolic. The 55 countries including developing and underdeveloped economies of Africa represented by the AU bring more inclusivity and diversity to the Group. Over the last few years, we have seen the Global South rising in prominence and AU’s inclusion in G20 holds a mirror to today’s diverse global landscape.
As a forum that has a vital role to play in shaping and strengthening global economic architecture and governance, Africa’s seat at the G20 is inevitable. The resource-rich continent holds the largest deposits of cobalt, diamonds, platinum, and uranium. Africa accounts for almost 30 per cent of minerals vital for low-carbon technologies. It also holds 65 per cent of the world’s arable land and ten percent of the planet’s internal renewable fresh water source.
A more diverse and representative platform will further the efforts of the Global South to foster a multipolar world. In fact, the new G21, signals a shift in the world order. Inclusion of AU empowers it with the potential to tilt the global power balance in favour of the emerging economies enhancing the group’s bargaining power on global issues. With its larger representation, G21 can bridge the gulf between the G7 and the developing countries Agenda by voicing the concerns and aspirations of the emerging economies.
For Africa, the inclusion is a major victory. Despite its economic significance, Africa has been underrepresented in the global platforms. it is high time that the Continent played a bigger role in the global decision-making processes. Membership in the G20 would give voice and visibility to African nations, a say on the global challenges impacting them including, climate change, financial instability and sustainable development. For example, membership in G20 will enable Africa to advance the proposals of the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit including a new financing architecture appropriate for Africa’s needs, debt restructuring and relief and the development of a new Global Climate Finance Charter by 2025.
From the perspective of India-Africa bilateral relations, the historic initiative spearheaded by India to usher in Africa into the G20 fold is sure to herald a new alignment. During the last few years, India has been increasingly edged out of Africa with the dominant presence of bigger players, particularly China. China’s growing influence in African countries has been a matter of global concern. It was alleged that China used debt trap diplomacy to gain control of strategic assets, such as ports and infrastructure in several African countries. Another vexing move by China was its ambitious Belt and road initiative, linking Asia and Africa with Europe. India alleged that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor violated India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The 18th G20 Summit witnessed the announcement by India, the European Union, the United States, and Saudi Arabia of a mega deal to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) that directly challenges China’s BRI.
No doubt, the entry of Africa into the G20 fold is a moment for celebration for Africa and the Global South. However, Africa should not overlook the implicit perils. With so much of a power struggle between the global players to protect their interests in Africa, it must carefully avoid getting caught in the crossfires of geopolitical power wars. The sailing is not going to be easy for Africa with its host of inherent challenges. The continent is still not united enough to speak in one voice. To reap the benefits of the permanent seat of G20, Africa must address its internal challenges collectively including political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, Currency depreciation, dollar scarcity, etc.
Yet, it is a continent of hope, the next growth frontier that has the potential to resolve many global challenges. Let us hope that the presence of Africa will herald a new vigour to the Group 20
