Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat. (Source: AFP)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on September 9: "India has proposed to grant permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union. I believe everyone agrees with this decision. With everyone's approval, I request the head of the AU to assume the position of permanent member of the G20."

According to AU President Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Union's entry into the G20 will provide an "enabling framework" for the continent, thereby "contributing effectively" to the goal of helping the world address global challenges.

“I welcome the AU’s entry into the G20 as a full member. This membership, which we have long supported, will provide a conducive framework to strengthen Africa’s advocacy and effective contribution to efforts to address global challenges,” Mr. Mahamat wrote on social network X (formerly known as Twitter).

The AU has a total of 55 members but currently has 6 countries under suspended military rule. The AU has a GDP of about 3,000 billion USD with about 1.4 billion people.