After years of campaigning, the African Union (AU) may be closer than ever to getting a seat in the G20.
In recent years, the G20 has become the forum where key global governance issues are discussed.
G20 countries represent around 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
That the African Union is not a member has been cited as a dent on the G20’s credibility.
But with Chinese, American, India and European backing, there are signs that the 55-nation grouping could become the 21st member as soon as September.
Our guest this week is Gyude Moore. Gyude is a senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development. He’s also served as Liberia’s public works minister.
The AU is made up of 55 countries from the African continent, and a G20 membership will give the union voting rights within the bloc.
It is unclear if G20 will be named G21 if the AU receives full and permanent membership, but officials said this is a branding nomenclature issue that shouldn’t be given much attention.
