Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda, Deputy National Editor
THE African Union (AU) has issued a powerful call for the continent to leverage its new, historic membership in the G20 — the world’s premier forum for economic co-operation — and assert its rightful influence on the global stage.
In a statement marking Africa Day, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said that Africa must assert itself as a key global player by embracing unity, economic transformation, and value addition to its abundant natural resources.
He emphasised that Africa’s inclusion in the G20 is not merely symbolic, but a clear affirmation of the continent’s growing importance and strategic relevance in global geopolitics.
“Our continent can no longer be ignored. Its membership in the G20 is not only a well-deserved participation, but a global recognition of Africa’s significance,” he said.
Africa’s entry into the G20, formalised during the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, under India’s presidency, marked a pivotal moment for the continent. The AU was admitted as a permanent member of the forum, joining 19 of the world’s largest economies and the European Union — positioning Africa to play a more influential role in shaping global economic policy.
“There is no doubt that Africa’s potential — its mineral wealth, arable land, and industrial capacity — must be acknowledged. It is our duty as Africans to safeguard these resources for the benefit of current and future generations,” said Mr Ali Youssouf.
He called on Africans to take ownership of their destiny by protecting natural resources, adding value to raw materials, and strengthening intra-continental trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“It is the primary responsibility of our member states to develop a viable value chain within the continent through value-addition and transformation. Our outstanding African Free Trade Area is the market destined to absorb African goods. It is our responsibility as Africans to protect these resources for the sake of present and future generations,” he said.
Highlighting the imbalance in global decision-making, Mr Ali Youssouf expressed concern over the continued marginalisation of Africa’s interests in international affairs. He cautioned against allowing external powers to dictate the continent’s path.
“We all know that international geopolitics often unfolds at the expense of our continent. Influential global powers do not give due attention to Africa’s ambitions. It is up to us, as Africans, to assert our values, reaffirm our convictions, and earn the respect of all nations through our ability to influence the global arena,” he said.
He stressed that economic transformation through industrialisation and local beneficiation is central to this vision. Mr Ali Youssouf urged member states to build home-grown value chains that retain wealth within the continent and generate employment.
The AUC Chairperson also invoked the founding ideals of Pan-Africanism, encouraging African leaders to revisit the vision of unity, solidarity, and collective progress laid down by the continent’s liberation heroes.
“Pan-Africanism was built by our forefathers not only on the basis of the legitimate aspirations of our peoples, but also on a set of strategic goals reflecting critical thinking about the future of this continent and its people,” said Mr Ali Youssouf.
Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union in 2002. It is a day of reflection on the continent’s liberation struggles, achievements, and future aspirations.
This year’s theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” honours the memory of those who suffered under slavery and colonialism, while asserting the right of Africa and its diaspora to truth, justice, and restoration.
The 2025 commemorations come at a time when Africa is contending with multiple challenges, including the effects of climate change, debt distress, political instability in parts of the Sahel, and global economic headwinds.
