Gaining admission into the Group of 20 top world economies is no mere feat. It took seven years of advocacy for Africa Union’s G20 membership to be birthed.

The African bloc’s admission marks a major elevation for the continent. It also makes G20 technically G21, with two regional blocs as members.

Until Saturday, September 9, 2023, South Africa was the only G20 member from Africa and it could not do much to advance Africa’s interests.

So, it is deemed that African Union, a representative of the collective economic and socio-political interests of Africa, now has the needed push to spearhead its demands to a wider audience.

Welcoming the news, Kenyan President, William Ruto, noted that the African Union’s entry into the G20 will “give African interests and perspectives voice and visibility.”

With its status as a G20 member, Africa’s “voice”, will not be overlooked or dismissed.

Apart from being able to promote stronger diplomatic relations and collaboration with other G20 members, the AU can utilize its G20 membership to pursue economic cooperation, attract investments, and explore foreign direct investment as well as economic partnership opportunities.

G20 leaders are committed to open trade and have mandated key organizations to monitor and report on these commitments. As such, the AU can actively engage in discussions related to international trade agreements within the G20, shaping trade policies that benefit the continent, promote fair trade practices, and reduce trade barriers.

The G20 has a financial inclusion plan that benefits all nations and populations, such as vulnerable groups. Due to this, the AU can advocate for financial assistance and support for African nations, addressing crucial issues such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

Moreover, the AU can advocate for climate action, access climate finance, and collaborate on sustainable development initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change on the continent.

It is important to note that Africa experiences devastating effects of climate change, even though it is not the primary contributor to global warming.

Furthermore, the G20 Digital Innovation Alliance offers opportunities for innovation and advancement in the tech industry.

Africa’s technical advancement can be accelerated by the AU utilizing this to explore collaborations, gain information, and encourage technology transfer.

Stifling The Voices Of Dissent May Be A Challenge

African Union membership in the G20 is a step that recognizes the continent as a global power in itself.

However, finding a common position among the AU’s member states, from the economic powers of Nigeria and Ethiopia to some of the world’s poorest nations, can be difficult.

Currently, the continent has experienced coups in Niger and Gabon, which the AU is struggling to curb. AU itself has long been urged by some Africans to be more assertive in its responses to coups and other crises.

In as much as Ruto hailed African Union’s admission as a voice, will the voice be loud enough to be heard or will it drown in the cacophony of other voices?