The G20, a coalition of nations, has reportedly reached an agreement to confer permanent membership status upon the African Union, according to individuals familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg News on Thursday. This change would elevate the African Union, consisting of 55 member states, from its current classification as an “invited international organization” to a status equivalent to that of the European Union.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for this advancement in June by addressing the leaders of G20 member nations, suggesting that the African Union should be granted full and permanent membership in the bloc during the forthcoming summit in the Indian capital.
Currently, the G20 comprises 19 countries in addition to the European Union. Furthermore, this year’s G20 summit in New Delhi has extended invitations to nine non-member countries, such as Bangladesh, Singapore, Spain, and Nigeria, as well as international organizations including the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, and IMF.
The Bloomberg report anticipates that the decision to grant the African Union full membership will be officially announced by G20 leaders during the summit. Several countries, including Germany, Brazil, and Canada, have expressed their support for the African Union’s membership in the G20.
The G20, also known as the Group of 20, serves as an intergovernmental platform for both developed and developing economies worldwide. Its member nations collectively represent approximately 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and roughly two-thirds of the global population.
Source: Reuters
