African Union in the G20

(Relevant for General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)

G-20: A New Forum for Developing Countries

The 18th G20 Summit, which took place in New Delhi in September 2023, marked a momentous development in the group’s history. The African Union (AU) was granted permanent membership, expanding the G20’s membership significantly. The AU, representing 55 member states across the continent, now holds the same standing as the European Union, the only other regional bloc with full G20 membership. 

Advantages and Opportunities for Africa After Inclusion in G20

• The AU’s inclusion in the G20 marks a significant stride toward a more inclusive and representative framework for global governance. The AU serves as the representative body for a continent boasting a population of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 3 trillion. Furthermore, Africa stands out as one of the world’s swiftest expanding regions, with a projected growth rate of 4.1% in 2023.
• Africa’s input and viewpoint are indispensable when it comes to addressing pressing global issues. These encompass the eradication of poverty, grappling with climate change, ensuring health security, navigating the digital transformation, streamlining trade facilitation, managing debt sustainability, and sustaining peace and security.
• The AU’s integration into the G20 framework not only extends benefits and opportunities to Africa but also furnishes advantages to G20 member nations. For Africa, it serves as a platform to propel its shared interests and aspirations onto the international stage. These objectives encompass the realization of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030, the effective operation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), the mobilization of climate finance and the transfer of technology, and the overhaul of international financial institutions.
• For G20 members, this development unlocks fresh channels for collaboration and partnership with Africa across a spectrum of sectors, including infrastructure development, the advancement of renewable energy, nurturing the digital economy, strengthening healthcare, fostering education, revitalizing agriculture, promoting tourism, and enriching cultural exchanges. It concurrently fosters a deeper level of mutual comprehension and trust among G20 nations and African counterparts.

Challenges Africa and the World Will Face in its Engagement with G 20

The inclusion of the AU in the G20 also presents several challenges, necessitating specific actions to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. Some of these challenges include:

• Harmonizing AU Positions: The AU must effectively coordinate its stances and priorities with its member states and regional economic communities. This coordination is crucial to maintain coherence and consistency in its interactions with the G20.
• Strengthening Institutional Capacity: To actively engage in G20 processes and participate in diverse tracks and work streams, the AU must enhance its institutional capabilities and human resources.
• Balancing Commitments: The AU will need to strike a balance between its commitments and obligations within the G20 and its roles in other regional and global platforms, such as the African Union Commission (AUC), African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Commonwealth, Francophonie, and more.
• Managing Divergent Interests: Given that different G20 members may harbor distinct agendas and perspectives on various issues, the AU must adeptly manage its expectations and interests in alignment with those of other G20 nations.
• Ensuring Tangible Outcomes: The AU’s involvement in the G20 must yield concrete results and advantages for Africa’s development. It should be geared toward producing measurable outcomes and benefits for the continent.

Development Cooperation Under India’s G20 Presidency India assumed the Presidency of the G20 in December 2022, with the overarching theme of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam,’ which translates to ‘One Earth · One Family · One Future.’ India’s vision for its G20 Presidency revolved around several key objectives: promoting environmentally friendly development, facilitating climate finance, and advocating for a lifestyle conducive to environmental sustainability (LiFE). Additionally, it aimed to expedite inclusive and resilient economic growth, make strides in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, drive technological innovation and the establishment of digital public infrastructure, reform international institutions for the modern era, and bolster women-led development initiatives. During its tenure, India introduced a range of new initiatives, including the establishment of a Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, the engagement of the Startup 20 Engagement Group, the launch of the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, and the proposal for a global biofuel alliance. India’s G20 Presidency prominently highlighted its commitment to development cooperation with Africa and other developing regions. India has been a steadfast partner to Africa, sharing its knowledge and expertise across various domains such as agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, infrastructure, digital technology, capacity building, and peacekeeping. Notably, India extended concessional lines of credit totaling USD 10.5 billion for 182 projects in Africa through the Export-Import Bank of India. The country has also initiated numerous flagship programs like the Pan-African e-Network Project, Team-9 Initiative, India-Africa Forum Summit, India-Africa Trade Council, India-Africa Health Sciences Platform, and India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development. Furthermore, India has actively supported Africa’s participation in international platforms like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Nalanda University.

The AU should establish a dedicated mechanism or unit within its structures to coordinate its engagement with the G20. This mechanism or unit should liaise closely with the AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, regional economic communities, member states, civil society, the private sector, and other stakeholders to formulate and communicate Africa’s positions and priorities on the G20 agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question 1: What is the concept of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam,’ and how has it influenced India’s presidency in the G20?
Answer:
‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’ translates to ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ and underpins India’s G20 presidency focused on inclusive and sustainable development, climate finance, and global cooperation.

Question 2: How does the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 change the dynamics of global governance?
Answer:
The inclusion diversifies the G20 by bringing in the perspective of 55 African countries, making the platform more inclusive and representative in addressing global challenges like poverty, climate change, and sustainable development.

Question 3: What challenges does the African Union face in harmonizing its positions within the G20?
Answer:
The AU faces challenges in coordinating stances with its 55 member states, balancing multiple regional and global commitments, and managing divergent interests among G20 nations.

Question 4: What opportunities does the African Union’s membership in the G20 bring for global development?
Answer:
The AU’s membership opens new avenues for partnership in sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital economy, promoting mutual understanding and offering a platform for Africa to articulate its developmental goals.

Question 5: How has India contributed to development cooperation with Africa?
Answer:
India has been a key partner in Africa’s development, extending $10.5 billion in credit lines for various projects and initiating flagship programs in agriculture, healthcare, and digital technology.

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