ANALYSIS: What influence can Africa wield at G20?

The African Union’s (AU) recent inclusion in the G20 has raised questions about its readiness to represent Africa’s interests and influence global policy on climate change, energy and reform of multilateral bodies.

While there is agreement on the need for a robust African voice in global economic and political governance, experts question the AU’s ability to reach a consensus on the continent’s priorities given the divisions among its member states.

Who should represent Africa at the G20? Would AU members cede power to the AU Commission to act on their behalf? Could African countries present unified positions at the forum? And what kind of influence can the AU wield there?