The African Union would permanently join the G20 group of nations, according to US President Joe Biden.
“Africa belongs to the table in every room where challenges are being discussed and in every institution where discussions are taking place,” the President said.
This occurred during the US-Africa summit, which was held in Washington, DC, and is thought to have been an attempt by America to assert its influence once again in Africa in opposition to Chinese involvement.
Judd Devermont, a member of the National Security Council, stated that “we need more African voices in international conversations that concern the global economy, democracy and governance, climate change, health and security” in the days leading up to the summit when there were reports the president would make such overtures.
At the moment, there are no African nations with permanent seats in the G20. Investment, commerce, and energy were among the major themes covered at the summit, which ends on Thursday.
The three-day US-Africa summit which saw its conclusion on Thursday has been largely cast as a show of renewed U.S. commitment to Africa and a bid to strengthen ties.
In his remarks, Biden said his administration will work to help combat “democratic backsliding” on the continent over a three-year period and make significant investments through a new “African democratic and political transition initiative.”
“My administration will work with the United States Congress to invest $75 million to strengthen transparent, accountable governance, facilitate voter registration, support constitutional reform and more,” Biden said.