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This is an interesting development. The idea of including the AU (African Union) as a full permanent member of the G20 has been proposed before. This time around however the idea has the strong support of China, India, Russia and the US and is expected to become a reality within a short period of time. Keep in mind that the AU is a union of 55 countries, not an actual nation like the current 20 members of the G20 and the idea that its 55 members might ever come to a consensus on any given topic is very remote. But to not include Africa at a seat at the table is also unthinkable.
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To solve this problem, the idea came about to include the entire bloc giving it one vote along with the wealthy nations who are already permanent members. There is a precedent for this manner of African inclusion. The European Union itself has a permanent seat at the table. The EU is also a union of 28 member countries. That seat is typically held by the European Central Bank. So Europe is over represented in a sense as it also has France, Germany and Italy as permanent members. Until now, South Africa has been the only African nation to be admitted. It is not the largest economy on that continent nor the wealthiest or most populous as that status belongs to Nigeria and Egypt.
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From the linked article:
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“India is pushing for a permanent membership status for the African Union in the diplomatic group of G20 Nations.
According to an official source, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi wrote to the leaders of G20 nations and proposed that AU be considered at its upcoming summit in India. The proposal is part of India’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s representation and partnership in shaping global affairs.
“This will be a right step towards a just, fair, more inclusive and representative global architecture and governance,” the source said of the African Union proposal. “(The) prime minister is a strong believer in having a greater Voice of the Global South countries on international platforms, particularly of African countries.””