Pretoria, 11 October 2024 – At the 18th G20 Summit held in New Delhi, India, in September 2023, the African Union (AU) was granted permanent membership in the G20, a significant step that enhances the continent’s voice on critical global issues. Coincidentally, South Africa will assume the G20 rotating chairmanship starting 1 December 2024. Amb. Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals and AU Sherpa (Emissary) for the G20, along with the Government of South Africa, briefed the African Diplomatic Missions and AU Agencies accredited to the Republic of South Africa on the AU’s priorities and strategies for engagement within the G20 framework.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Xolisa Mabhongo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and South Africa Sous-Sherpa for the G20, emphasized that the G20 serves as the premier forum for coordinating global economic policies, providing a critical platform for advancing Africa’s interests. He noted that through this forum, African nations have a unique opportunity to own and influence decisions at the global level.
Expressing gratitude to South Africa for hosting the event, Commissioner Muchanga underscored the AU’s commitment to effective participation in the G20 by outlining six key priorities: achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AU Agenda 2063, with a focus on inclusive growth; reforming the global financial architecture; ensuring food security and agriculture adaptation to climate change; facilitating a just transition; promoting trade and investment; and enhancing health.
The Commissioner pointed out overlaps between the priorities of South Africa and the AU, particularly regarding Agenda 2063. He announced that the AU will hold regular consultations with South Africa to leverage its G20 experience and assess the country’s readiness for the upcoming chairmanship.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Amb. S.O. Abdul, Ambassador of Eritrea, remarked that the AU’s inclusion in the G20 is a significant recognition of Africa’s role in global governance. This integration is expected to enhance Africa’s representation in global discussions, enabling collaboration on pressing issues such as climate change, technology transfer, trade, health, water, peace and security, etc. He concluded that South Africa is expected to advocate for youth empowerment and infrastructure development.
Participants emphasised Africa’s additional priorities for the G20’s consideration, including debt relief and harnessing the continent’s demographic dividend.
On the margins of the briefing, H.E. Amb. Marie-Rose Antoinette Rose Quatre, APRM CEO, engaged in productive discussions with Commissioner Muchanga at his request. The CEO warmly welcomed the Commissioner and his delegation, expressing confidence in the Mechanism’s ability to address governance issues on the continent. She noted that the APRM is making strides in credit rating initiatives and has mobilized significant international support. The APRM is set to conduct several activities during the upcoming AU Summit, with an emphasis on establishing an African credit rating agency, with the support of the AU Commission.
The Commissioner pledged support for these initiatives and assured the CEO of a dedicated event on credit rating at the AU Summit, emphasizing the need for joint preparations to ensure its success.
