Indian PM Modi pushes for African Union’s inclusion in G20

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has issued a call for the African Union to become a member of the Group of 20 (G20), emphasizing the importance of its representation within the major economies.

The G20, composed of 19 countries and the European Union, collectively accounting for approximately 85 percent of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population, currently has just one member, South Africa, from the African continent.

In a recent announcement, US President Joe Biden expressed his desire for the African Union to attain “permanent member” status within the G20, a proposal that has been long-awaited and is now gaining momentum.

Taking center stage as the host of the current G20 summit, Prime Minister Modi has joined the chorus, advocating for the inclusion of the pan-African bloc. The African Union, collectively boasting a GDP of $3 trillion last year, is being extended an invitation for permanent membership.

Speaking at the B20, a business forum preceding the upcoming G20 summit scheduled for September 9-10, Modi stated, “We have extended an invitation to the African Union with the goal of granting permanent membership.”

The African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is composed of 55 member nations, though the current suspension of five junta-ruled countries has reduced the active membership.

Modi also took the opportunity to underscore India’s role in fortifying an efficient and trustworthy global supply chain, positioning the country as a solution in response to disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He emphasized India’s efforts to enhance its manufacturing sector, enabling it to compete with the likes of China on the international stage.