Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Africa, the second largest and second most populous continent, is under-represented at G20. It has only one seat, that of South Africa, the third largest economy after Nigeria and Egypt.
In contrast, Europe is represented by four countries – the UK, Italy, Germany and France; one permanent guest Spain; and the regional grouping European Union has a fullmember status. The stark contrast in representations of the two continents is appalling.
The ‘resource-cursed’ African continent has 54 nations, eight of these, as per the World Bank 2021 data, are Upper-Middle Income countries. Mauritius, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Botswana, South Africa, Libya, Namibia and Eswatini, have a gross national per capita income between $4,096 and $12,695.
Not a poor continent
Seychelles has the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in Africa, at $13,306, making it a high income country.
Another 24 nations have income in the range of $1,036 and $4,044, making them lower middle income countries.
Contrary to the popular belief and widespread misinformation, the entire continent is not poor, or dependent on aid and grants.
While the African Union and its representative have been regular at G20, these invites limit the participation to observer and visitor status. The ‘policymakers’ label is still off the table.
India’s push for African Union as a full member is a golden opportunity for reviving, and strengthening the SouthSouth cooperation. The Indian Government has been pushing for reforms in multilateral institutions, like the WHO, WTO and IMF. It has also been advocating for a larger say in decision-making, something that reflects the needs and aspirations of developing nations.
