Africa, the black continent faced with many indices of underdevelopment such as dwindling economy, is now part of the strong world economies.
This is as the continental body, the African Union (AU), formally joined the Group of 20 (G20), a top global economies at the bloc’s summit in G20 New Delhi, India’s capital on Saturday.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this in his opening speech at the G20 Summit, attended by President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, the acclaimed giant of Africa.
Modi, whose country, India, currently holds the presidency of the G20, said: “I invite the representative of the African Union to take his place as a permanent member of the G20.”
The Indian Prime Minister shook hands with the current AU chairman and Comoros President, Azali Assoumani, and embraced him warmly, then invited him to sit at the table.
He told leaders that they must find “concrete solutions” to the widespread challenges that he said emanated from the “ups and downs in the global economy, the north and the south divide, the chasm between the east and the west,” and other issues like terrorism, cyber security, health and water security.
The G20 is an elite group of the world’s most powerful and significant economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-third of the world’s population.
Member countries are the US, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.
LEADERSHIP reports that ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Modi had said the G20 under the leadership of India was reflecting the voice and concerns of the Global South.
He said Africa, in particular, has not been given its due recognition and place when it comes to institutions of global governance, adding that India and Africa enjoy a very special relationship, and India has been a steadfast advocate of a greater role for Africa in global affairs.
“During our presidency of the G20, we have taken the initiative to seek a permanent seat for the African Union in the G20, and we believe that our proposal will enjoy the support of other G20 members.
“We believe that this step will empower the African continent to be able to better articulate their concerns and perspectives on the global stage, and play an important role in shaping the world order,” Modi noted.
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