The African Union (AU) is the newest permanent member of the G20. It was admitted as a member at the G20 summit in New Delhi, India on September 9, 2023. The AU is a grouping of 55 African countries that was founded in 2002. It is the largest regional intergovernmental organization in the world. The AU’s admission to the G20 is seen as a way to give Africa a greater voice in global economic governance.
The other members of the G20 are:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Republic of Korea
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
- European Union
The G20 is an informal forum for the governments of the world’s 20 largest economies. It was established in 1999 in response to the Asian financial crisis. The G20 meets annually to discuss economic and financial issues. It has also been involved in discussions on other issues, such as climate change and terrorism.
The admission of the AU to the G20 is a significant development. It is a recognition of the importance of Africa in the global economy and of the AU’s role in promoting economic development and regional integration. The AU’s membership in the G20 is expected to give Africa a greater voice in global economic governance and to help to address the challenges facing the continent, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
The African Union has become a permanent member of the G20, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s global influence. This move recognizes the African Union’s growing economic and political significance, as well as its potential to contribute to global decision-making processes. By joining the G20, the African Union will have a platform to address key issues affecting Africa and to advocate for its interests on the global stage. This development reflects a shift towards a more inclusive and representative global governance system, where diverse voices and perspectives are given a seat at the table.