The African Union’s admission to the G20 as a permanent member in 2023gave the continent its first collective seat at one of the most important forums
for shaping international policy on debt, trade, climate finance, and development. Four consecutive Global South presidencies created a favorable context for advancing African priorities, culminating in South Africa’s 2025 presidency focused on debt sustainability, disaster resilience, critical minerals, and the just
energy transition. The AU’s membership corrected a long-standing representational gap, though key questions remain on how its institutional presence will
translate into substantive influence.