Africa's Inclusion in G20: Challenges, Impact, and the Path to Global Collaboration

The African Union is made up of 55 Member States that represent all the countries on the African continent. It was established to promote unity and cooperation among African nations. It was officially launched in 2002. The organization forces African nations to achieve political, economic, and social development sustainably. The G20 represents approximately 85% of the global GDP  and 75% of global trade, as well as two-thirds of the world’s population. 

On September 9, 2023, the African Union (AU) became a permanent member in the G20 during the G20 summit in Delhi, as proposed by the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. This was a remarkable achievement for the African Union and gave them the same status as the European Union. This proposal gained a census of every country, which delighted the leaders of Africa and William Ruto, Kenya’s President as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude for recognition on a global platform. 

What are the Challenges that Africa Encounter in Engagement with G20?

There are staggering challenges that G20 suspects face with their engagement with the African Union. Some of them include:

1. The African Union needs to coordinate with its member countries and specific regions' economic communities to adhere to the implementation of the goals and specifications by the G20. 

2. The African Union needs to reinforce its organizational capabilities and human resources to actively take part in G20 proceedings and stream work.

3. Most importantly, the African Union needs to fulfill its obligations to countries and global agencies like the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the United Nations, etc. 

4. The African Union needs to look into engrossment with the G20 countries that may showcase differences in perception of the agendas or issues.

5. The African Union needs to maintain cordial relationships and ensure that this inclusion benefits the development of African countries. 

6.  Lastly, the African Union can consider the establishment of the unit to monitor the efficient working with the G20. The unit needs to look into the matters or grievances of the marginal and regional communities. 
   

WHY THIS INCLUSION WAS CRUCIAL FOR AFRICA?

1. The inclusion of the African Union  in G20 promotes an extraordinary creation of inclusive and globalised society as we know Africa represents   1,479,079,703(one billion four hundred seventy-nine million seventy-nine thousand seven hundred three), the number of people whose lives are to be impacted , the number of people that are going to be affected by the policies that is drafted. The number of people who live in Africa and the number of people who won’t be represented in this summit if not for the inclusion of The African Union in the G20 Summit. 

2. Africa is a country that is undergoing  a multitude of global challenges like poverty , heath  insecurity, debt crisis, women insecurity, corruption etc.  It is a country with children crying to feed their empty bellies  while the government is engaged in feeding their bellies with money and power. Hence it is pivotal for G20 to combat the  grievances  of the people of Africa. 

3. It is surprising that  Africa is also one of the fastest-growing regions in the world,  which has a projected growth rate of 4.1% in 2023.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE INCLUSION OF AFRICAN UNION?

1. It promotes the implementation of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030, which aims at boosting education, poverty reduction, encouragement of peace and security, etc. 

2. The effectuation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will stimulate economic growth and contribute to job creation. 

3. The organization of climate finance and technology transfer encourages renewable energy management, community empowerment, water resource management, etc. 

4. The reform of international financial institutions improves access to capital, provides support for developmental projects, etc. 

5.  The G20 integration invites increased foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic partnerships. This investment promotes infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy and fosters economic development.

6. The African Union engages in deliberation related to international trade agreements within the G20, it shapes trade policies to benefit the continent. Hence it promotes fair trade practices and reduces trade barriers.
   

The potential consequences of this inclusion are vast, ranging from improved standards of living to the successful implementation of crucial agendas like Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030. Economic growth , job creation through initiatives like AfCFTA, and advancements in climate finance and technology transfer are tools to shape a brighter future for the African continent.The day of 9th September is memorable and shall not be forgotten by the world. The implications of this inclusion are crucial and there are hopes of tangible outcomes and eradication of all the global challenges that Africa has longed for and may the world nourish prosperity and contentment.