AU at the G20: Enhancing African Agency in a Changing World

In a global landscape marked by geopolitical uncertainty and global economic inequality, the African Union’s (AU) capacity to transform its symbolic inclusion in global governance platforms into tangible influence has become increasingly critical. Africa’s participation in global economic forums often remains more symbolic than transformative, which hampers its ability to impact global financial reforms in ways that align with its priorities. The study aims to explore how the AU can enhance African agency within the G20 and beyond, advocating for a fairer and more inclusive global financial architecture. It posits that the AU must transition from passive participation to actively shaping global financial discussions, forging alliances with other actors in the Global South, and articulating a coherent continental financing agenda. Methodologically, the article employs a qualitative approach, analysing both primary and secondary documents, including AU policy papers, G20 communiqués, and pertinent scholarly literature. This methodology offers insights into the opportunities and constraints that influence Africa’s capacity to reform global financial governance in its favour. The study finds that a new model of African agency based on proactive engagement, African unity, and sovereignty is necessary to advance the continent’s economic development agenda in the current global environment.