Home Global Ties Inclusion of Africa in G-20 is almost certain: It may take place...

Inclusion of Africa in G-20 is almost certain: It may take place in Delhi during Delhi Summit

August 11, 2023

(4 minutes)

As New Delhi, the capital city of India, is gearing up to host the annual event of G -20, there is every possibility of the African Union becoming a full-fledged member of the grouping. The 55-member, African Union has been campaigning for a seat in the group for some time, where key global issues are discussed

Importantly, G20 countries represent around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. Keeping African Union away from the membership, analysts feel, would dent the G20’s credibility. Significantly, AU has now got the backing of China, the US, the EU, and India. There are signs that the 55-nation grouping could become the 21st member as soon as September, during the Delhi Summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his counterparts among the Group of 20 (G-20) members, calling for the African Union to be given full membership of the grouping at its September summit in New Delhi. This was reported in some sections of Indian media, further giving credence to the possible inclusion of the AU in the prestigious grouping.

The proposal was made in line with a request from the Union, which is made up of 55 countries of the African continent. The move is aimed at enhancing Africa’s voice “on the international stage and in shaping the future of our shared world.

The G20, which was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis, comprises the 20 largest economies. The grouping’s members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union.