In the global quest for cohesion and collaboration, India’s emergence as a pivotal player in advancing Africa’s integration with the global economy is gaining prominence. The recent endorsement by US President Joe Biden to include the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, forming the G21, accentuates the need for bridging diplomatic and economic gaps across continents. This initiative resonates with India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ underpinning its commitment to fostering partnerships that transcend borders.
While diplomatic integration strives to amplify the AU’s voice on the international stage, the economic integration of Africa holds transformative potential for the entire world. This dual-dimensional journey, rooted in unity and progress, aligns well with India’s ethos of cooperative global engagement.
Diplomatic integration, symbolized by the G21 proposal, recognizes that global governance has traditionally rested on economic dominance. This framework, primarily shaped by developed nations or the ‘Global North,’ is now experiencing a paradigm shift. The ‘Global South,’ representing an overwhelming 85% of the world’s population, is rallying for more inclusive representation and equitable economic policies. The AU’s inclusion in the G21 reflects this momentum for reform and India’s proactive role in driving these changes.
Economic integration, however, remains a cornerstone of sustainable development, especially given Africa’s demographic trajectory. Forecasts suggest that over half of the world’s population growth by 2050 will stem from Sub-Saharan African countries. This demographic surge underscores the significance of Africa’s burgeoning youth, its skilled workforce, and the economic potency it is poised to wield on the global stage.
The urgency of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the next seven years places African integration at the forefront. With 33 of the world’s 46 least developed countries situated in Africa, the continent’s success in achieving these goals carries profound implications. Despite ongoing strides with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa grapples with geographic, logistical, and economic fragmentation. Integrating the AU into the G20 marks a crucial step toward both diplomatic consolidation and economic empowerment, rebuilding faith in multilateralism.
The significance of this integration is evident in the AU’s potential to influence a spectrum of global issues. From geopolitical considerations to pressing matters like climate finance and equitable energy transitions, the AU’s voice could address the interests of a continent undergoing rapid change. Additionally, the AU’s stance could impact the reform agendas of institutions like the Bretton Woods, thereby shaping global financial governance more inclusively.
India’s role in fostering this integration is underscored by its unique approach to soft power. Embracing a partnership-based strategy, India’s engagement in Africa is non-intrusive and mutual. This approach is rooted in shared values and collaborative ventures rather than hegemony. As a country that understands the transformative power of partnerships, India can play a crucial role in supporting Africa’s integration into the global economy.
In conclusion, the initiative to include the AU as a permanent member of the G20 illuminates the potential for reshaping global governance and economy. India’s endorsement of this integration is not only a manifestation of its ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ philosophy but also its commitment to a world characterized by equitable representation and shared progress. By playing a pivotal role in nurturing Africa’s integration journey, India embraces the role of a facilitator, amplifying the voices of nations aspiring for a better and more integrated future.
