Various African leaders including politicians have described that the admission of the African Union (AU) into G20 will advance the continent's common interests, especially in the context of resolutions made during the Africa Climate Summit.

Kenya's President Willaim Ruto also welcomed the African Union's inclusion in the G20, emphasizing that it would amplify Africa's voice, visibility, and influence on the global stage.

This move is seen as an opportunity to advance the common interests of the continent, especially in the context of resolutions made during the Africa Climate Summit.

"This fits perfectly with the resolutions of the just-concluded Africa Climate Summit, including the reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks."

South African President, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, responding to this news on Twitter, emphasized the significance of this development in light of the ongoing global reconstruction efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that developing economies like those in Africa are disproportionately affected by climate change, despite having a lesser role in causing it.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the challenges of addressing climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable consumption and production, and resource scarcity, calling for collective action and solidarity.

President Ramaphosa also called for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, aligning with the policies and actions outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development.

"South Africa calls for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. This must be supported by the concrete policies and actions outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development."

The African Union achieved permanent membership in the G20, according to an announcement made by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 18th G20 Summit held in New Delhi, India.

Modi warmly welcomed the Chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, as he invited the President of Comoros to join the proceedings.

This historic inclusion marks the African continent as the 21st member of the G20, a development sought after by the African Union for some time. It is anticipated to provide a favorable framework for strengthening the continent's advocacy and enhancing its contribution to addressing global challenges.

Prime Minister Modi expressed India's excitement in welcoming the African Union as a permanent G20 member, emphasizing the importance of fostering global unity, progress, and supporting the development of the Global South.

"Honoured to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South," PM Modi said.

The G20, founded in 1999 in response to global economic crises, is composed of member countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the USA, the European Union, and now the African Union.

The G20 holds annual summits involving the heads of government or state, finance ministers, foreign ministers, and other high-ranking officials, with representation from the European Commission and the European Central Bank for the European Union.

Additionally, selected countries, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations are invited to attend these summits.