The Group of 20 (G20), which until 9 September 2023 comprised 19 countries and the European Union, granted the African Union permanent membership at its 2023 summit in India.

The G20 represents 85% of global gross domestic product, 75% of global trade and about two-thirds of the world's population. It's a forum where leaders discuss and shape international economic co-operation.

The AU, which has 55 membership states, was granted permanent membership on a par with the European Union. South Africa was previously the only African country with a seat at the G20.