The African Union has welcomed its admission into the G20 following an announcement that it has been admitted as a permanent member.
According to the AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki, the inclusion in the G20 will offer an opportunity and framework to push for advocacy for the African continent.
He went on to say that it will also provide a chance for Africa's contribution in handling global challenges.
"I welcome the African Union's entry into the #G20 as a full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favour of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges," Faki said on Saturday.
The admission was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his opening remarks. India is the current holder of the G20 presidency.
This now means South Africa is no longer the sole G20 representative of a continent of roughly 1.4 billion people.
The Group of 20 (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprised of 19 sovereign countries, the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU).
It works to address major issues related to the global economy, such as international financial stability, climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
The African Union becomes a permanent member of the G20, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces in opening remarks.
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) September 9, 2023
Modi embraced the Chairperson of the AU @PR_AZALI as he invited the president of Comoros to take his seat.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! #Agenda2063 https://t.co/gCiVGEGpJ8 pic.twitter.com/AeL8onzome