The African Union (AU), led by H.E. Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola and AU G20 Head of Delegation, accompanied by AU Sherpa Amb. H.E. Albert Muchanga -AU 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞, 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 (ETTIM) and AU Sous Sherpa, Ms. Sara Silva, Director for Multilateral Affairs of Angola, HE Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and AU Director General, Amb. Fathallah Sijilmassi participated in the 1st G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The meeting provided a platform for the AU to reaffirm its commitment to global cooperation and alignment with the priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

In his address to the Ministers, AU G20 Head of Delegation H.E. Téte António emphasized the strong alignment between South Africa’s #G20 priorities and #Agenda2063, Africa’s transformative blueprint for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and technological advancement. He further underscored how this synergy presents a unique opportunity to accelerate Africa’s progress while contributing to global prosperity.

Key Points from AU G20 Head of Delegation Address:

1. Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialization, Employment, and Inequality
   The AU commended the deliverables of Taskforce 1 on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialization, Employment, and Inequality, noting their resonance with the AU’s Strategic Framework on Key Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa. This framework, recently adopted by the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government, underscores the continent’s commitment to reducing inequality and fostering economic transformation.
2. Food Security and Agriculture
   The AU welcomed the deliverables under Task Force 2 on Food Security, which align with the AU’s Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The CAADP focuses on agricultural transformation, food security, nutrition, and sustainable development, all of which are critical to Africa’s growth and resilience.
3. Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation
   The AU highlighted the strong linkages between the deliverables of Task Force 3 on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development and Africa’s priorities. The AU’s Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, under the “AI for Africa” Initiative, aims to accelerate technological advancement across the continent. The AU also welcomed the creation of a Technology Policy Assistance Facility to support the development of national strategies, policies, and laws, particularly for G20 members and the global south.
4. Compact with Africa (CWA)
   The AU reiterated its support for the G20 Compact with Africa, a priority initiative aimed at promoting economic reforms and attracting investments. Currently, 13 African countries have joined the Compact, and the AU is committed to ensuring all African nations embrace the spirit of broad economic reforms necessary to unlock the continent’s full potential. The AU also called on all G20 members to join the Compact with Africa.
5. Cost of Capital Commission
   The AU expressed its support for the Cost of Capital Commission, which will review credit rating agencies’ methodologies and consider alternative options. African countries often face exorbitant interest rates due to unfair and biased credit ratings, and the AU looks forward to the Commission’s recommendations to address these challenges.
6. G20 @20 Review Process
   The AU welcomed the review process of the G20 @20, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the G20’s achievements and challenges over the past two decades. The AU remains committed to contributing to the G20’s efforts to address global issues and promote sustainable development.

In his concluding remarks, H.E. Téte António reiterated the African Union’s support for the objectives and priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. He emphasized the AU’s commitment to collaborating with South Africa and other G20 members to ensure a successful presidency that delivers tangible outcomes for Africa and the global community.

Read full speech here (hyperlink once posted)

From February 24- 27, the AU delegation will take part in the Second Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting and the 1st Finance and Central Bank Deputies and Ministerial Meeting. The G20 Presidency has announced that one of the upcoming G20 meetings will be hosted at the African Union Headquarters. This decision highlights the growing recognition of Africa’s critical role in global governance and marks a significant step toward inclusive and equitable global decision-making.

👉 Download the full G20 meeting schedule here: https://ow.ly/CplV50V4OU0

Note to Editors

Following the African Union’s (AU) inclusion in the G20, the AU Assembly agreed on six key priorities to guide its engagement over the next three years. These are fast-tracking Agenda 2063, advocating for reform of international financial institutions, enhancing agricultural output, achieving a just energy transition, promoting trade and investment for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) rollout, improving Africa’s credit rating and boost investment in vaccine manufacturing and pandemic response.

To ensure effective representation and engagement in the G20 processes, the AU has adopted revised modalities for its participation in G20 Ministerial and Finance Track meetings. These modalities outline a structured approach to advancing Africa’s priorities on the global stage:

1. G20 Leaders’ Summits
   The current Chairperson of the African Union, assisted by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, will represent the African Union in the G20 Leaders’ Summits.
2. G20 Ministerial Meetings

• Meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs: The Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council, assisted by the Chairperson of the Commission, will represent the AU.
• Sectoral Ministerial Meetings: The Chairpersons of the AU Specialized Technical Committees (STCs), assisted by the respective Commissioners, will lead AU delegations to G20 sectoral Ministerial meetings.

3. G20 Finance Track Meetings
   The Chairperson of the STC on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning, and Integration, assisted by the Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, will represent the African Union in the meetings of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors.

The modalities will be reviewed after one year of participation in the G20 to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Media Contact:

Wynne Musabayana | Head of Communications | African Union Commission | Email: MusabayanW@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |

Janet Faith Adhiambo Ochieng | Communications Officer-Agenda 2063 | African Union Commission | Email: ochiengj@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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