Biden Invites AU to Join G20, Plans Visit to Africa in 2023

By Tope Templer Olaiya, Washington DC

U.S. PRESIDENT, Joe Biden, recently, said he would support African Union (AU) joining the G20 group of large economies as a permanent member. He said this is part of Washington’s efforts to reinvigorate ties with the region. He added that over the next three years, the US would provide $55 billion in aid to Africa

Biden, speaking at a U.S.-Africa leaders summit event on the AU Agenda 2063, said the United States is looking to increase collaboration in all areas.

He said: “Africa belongs to the table in every room where global challenges are being discussed, and in every institution where discussions are holding. It’s been a long time in coming, but it’s going to come.”

South Africa is currently the only G20 member from Africa. The AU is made up of 55 member states. Biden’s remarks, and the summit, aim to position the United States as a partner to African countries amid competition with China, which sought to expand its influence by funding infrastructure projects on the continent and elsewhere.

Chinese trade with Africa is about four times that of the United States, and Beijing has become an important creditor by offering cheaper loans – often with opaque terms and collateral requirements –than Western lenders.

Having a seat at the table could help some African nations, many of which are not currently eligible for debt treatments under the G20 plan, advance their interests.

It will also give them a bigger say in key issues such as, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change and mounting frustration that rich countries are not taking enough responsibility for years of rampant fossil fuel usage that has contributed to global warming.

Also, President Biden said he plans to visit Africa. “I’m eager to visit your continent. As I told some of