African Union becomes G20 permanent member, Ruto outlines benefits

The G20 has inducted the African Union (AU) as a permanent member.

The G20 is composed of 19 world’s largest industrialised and developing countries and the European Union.

These countries account for around 80% of gross world product (GWP), 75% of international trade and two-thirds of the global population since China and India are part of it.

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, made the announcement on Saturday as he inaugurated the summit currently holding in New Delhi, the capital city of India.

During his opening speech, India’s prime minister invited the chairman of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to take his seat as a permanent member of the group.

In his opening remark, Modi said, “Today, as the president of G-20, India calls upon the world to come together to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance.

“This is the time for all of us to move together. Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between the East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we must find a solid solution to this for future generations.”

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Kenyan President William Ruto, are also attending the summit on the invitation of Mordi.

Ruto said of the benefit of the African Union getting a seat in the G20.

“With Africa poised to grow in the coming years, a seat will allow it to shape the decisions of G20 to ensure the continent’s interests are advanced. The outcome of the just concluded Africa Climate Summit including fundamental reforms of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks is one thing that AU will advance,” he said.