The Africa Union’s entry into the G20 group of the world’s most powerful economies highlights the continent’s growing influence and gives its leaders a stronger voice in global decision-making.

African leaders applauded the move for better representing the Global South and recognising Africa in multilateral debate on problems such as climate change where it has often been the most affected but least consulted.

With China and Russia asserting more influence and BRICS trade group expanding to include Egypt and Ethiopia, analysts and experts said the G20 decision also shows Africa’s weight as a global player in its own right.

The 55-member Africa Union joining G20 brings along the fastest-growing continent with the youngest population and huge potential to contribute to developing green transitions.

“It is significant for Africa to be recognised and included. What it actually does with this membership remains to be seen,” said Steven Gruzd, head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs.

“It will certainly help put African issues on the international agenda, with AU in the heart of discussions.”

Headquartered in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the AU has 55 member states though several are currently suspended after military coups.

Pressure for G20 membership quickened this year with Senegal’s President Macky Sall saying an AU seat would undo an “injustice” and EU central bank chief Christine Lagarde urging more weight for Africa in financial institutions. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the call for the AU to join the G20 at a weekend summit in New Dehli.

“Africa’s permanent membership of the G20 means it has been recognised as a key player on the world economic landscape,” Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema said on X, formerly Twitter.