The G20, a forum of the world’s 20 largest economies, is set to grant full membership to the African Union, according to sources.
The move would give the AU, a continental body of 55 member states, the same status as the European Union, the only regional bloc with full membership in the G20.
The decision is expected to be announced at the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi, India, over the weekend.
The Indian government has strongly supported the AU’s membership in the G20. In June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to the leaders of the G20 nations proposing that the AU be given full membership.
“Our presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries but has also pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20,” Modi wrote in an article published on Thursday.
The G20 currently comprises 19 countries and the EU. The members represent around 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
Countries including Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and Canada have also voiced support for African Union membership.
