World’s 20 Leading Economies Welcome African Union as Permanent Member
In a powerful acknowledgement of Africa’s increasing global influence, the group of the world’s 20 leading economies has granted permanent membership to the African Union (AU). With over 50 member countries, the AU is poised to play a more prominent role on the global stage, particularly in discussions surrounding climate change, food security, migration, and other critical issues.
This significant move comes after U.S. President Joe Biden advocated for the AU’s permanent membership in the G20, stating that it has been long overdue. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended an invitation during the G20 summit hosted by India this week.
The African Union has been campaigning for full membership for the past seven years, according to spokesperson Ebba Kalondo. Prior to this, South Africa was the only G20 member from the African continent.
The Significance of AU’s Membership
By granting permanent G20 membership to the AU, the international community recognizes the rise of a continent that is projected to double its young population of 1.3 billion by 2050, accounting for a quarter of the world’s population.
The AU’s 55 member states, including territories with disputed sovereignty such as Western Sahara, have long sought meaningful roles in global institutions that were originally established after World War II. This includes the United Nations Security Council. Additionally, African countries are advocating for reforms in the global financial system, such as the World Bank, to address the issue of disproportionate borrowing costs faced by African nations.
Africa’s increasing global influence is evident through its growing appeal to new global powers beyond traditional Western countries. China is Africa’s largest trading partner and lender, while Russia is a major arms provider. Gulf nations have emerged as significant investors, and Turkey has established its largest overseas military base and embassy in Somalia. Even Israel and Iran are intensifying their engagements on the continent.
This shift marks a departure from the portrayal of Africa as a passive victim of conflict, extremism, and poverty, as African leaders aspire to assume a role as global brokers. For instance, African countries participated in peace initiatives following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Implications of AU Membership in the G20
Full G20 membership for the AU means that the continent can now represent itself on a global scale. Africa is home to the world’s largest free trade area and possesses vast reserves of resources crucial for combating climate change. Although Africa contributes the least to climate change, it bears the brunt of its impacts.
Africa holds 60% of the world’s renewable energy assets and more than 30% of the minerals essential for renewable and low-carbon technologies. For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo alone possesses nearly half of the world’s cobalt, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries, as reported by the United Nations.
African nations are eager to move beyond the extraction of resources, which often benefits other regions, and focus on industrial development closer to home to stimulate their economies. This week, Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized Africa’s vast wealth when considering its natural assets, particularly at the first Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi. African leaders at the summit called for fair treatment by international financial institutions, the delivery of promised climate financing from developed nations, and the implementation of a global tax on fossil fuels.
However, finding a unified position among the AU’s diverse member states can be challenging. From economic powerhouses like Nigeria and Ethiopia to some of the world’s poorest nations, reconciling their interests may prove difficult. The AU also faces criticism for its inconsistent responses to crises due to its rotating chairmanship. To have a significant impact on G20 decision-making, Africa must speak with one voice, as highlighted by Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, a former prime minister of Niger, and Daouda Sembene, a former executive director of the International Monetary Fund.
African leaders have already shown their willingness to take collective action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they united to criticize wealthy nations’ hoarding of vaccines and collaborated on bulk purchases of supplies for the continent. As a high-profile G20 member, Africa’s demands will carry even greater weight and will be harder to disregard.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
