Brussels 10.09.2023 “Today, we join our brothers and sisters in Africa in celebrating the accession of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20” reads the G20 statement by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell on to the accession of the African Union as a permanent member. (Image: Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India).

“The G20 is a prime forum for addressing today’s global challenges. The African Union membership will increase the representation of Africa in multilateral fora, provide an additional platform to discuss common challenges and contribute to devise global solutions.

“The European Union has strongly supported the accession of the African Union. It will bring to the G20 the voice of the African population, its share in the global economy and further advance the aspirations in particular of the African youth on the global stage.

“The European Union reaffirms its strong commitment in developing a more inclusive multilateral system. We look forward to working together and contribute to a better functioning, responsive and more inclusive international order”.

The group of the world’s 20 leading economies is welcoming the African Union as a permanent member, a powerful acknowledgement of Africa as its more than 50 countries seek a more important role on the global stage.

U.S. President Joe Biden called last year for the AU’s permanent membership in the G20, saying it’s been “a long time in coming.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the current AU chair, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, with a hug on Saturday, September 10, at the G20 summit his country is hosting, saying he was “elated.”

“Congratulations to all of Africa!” said Senegal President Macky Sall, the previous AU chair who helped to push for membership. The AU had advocated for full membership for seven years, spokesperson Ebba Kalondo said. Until now, South Africa was the bloc’s only G20 member.