𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝟐𝟎 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝗕𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿, 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹

African leaders and policymakers are calling for a unified and coordinated voice to shape the continent’s role in global governance as preparations intensify for the next G20 Summit.

In this context, a high-level international conference was held on Thursday in Dakar under the theme “Giving Africa a Voice in the G20.” The event was jointly organized by AfriCatalyst, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The gathering brought together African ministers, policymakers, and economists to discuss strategies for strengthening the continent’s influence in global decision-making, particularly following the African Union’s (AU) recent admission as a permanent member of the G20.

The main goal of the conference was to consolidate Africa’s position within the G20 framework and ensure that its membership translates into meaningful participation in shaping international policies. Participants stressed the importance of coordination, continuity, and a unified approach to advancing African priorities.

Daouda Sembène, CEO of AfriCatalyst, emphasized the need for clarity and collaboration, noting that “the goal is really to ensure that stakeholders are informed about the South African presence, so they understand what South Africa is doing, but also how African countries, represented by the African Union within the G20, can truly ensure their priorities are taken into account.”

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Senegal, Catherine Phuong, described the conference as “a milestone, not an end,” urging African governments to maintain collective advocacy on issues such as debt, development financing, and climate action. “Debt, as we know, is expensive, and it is particularly expensive for African countries,” she said. “We must continue to find solutions to address this obstacle to development.”

Participants also reviewed the achievements and lessons from South Africa’s G20 presidency to guide future African engagement, focusing on key areas such as a just energy transition and sustainable financing mechanisms.

Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Executive Director of SAIIA, highlighted the importance of the G20 Troika, composed of the outgoing, current, and incoming presidencies, in ensuring policy continuity. “South Africa will therefore always be part of the Troika,” she explained. “We hope that effective use of this system will allow some of these dialogues, conversations, and priorities to continue.”