Biden wants African Union to be added to G20

Mr Biden has invited 49 African leaders to take part in the three-day Washington summit that starts on Tuesday.

US President Joe Biden plans to announce at next week’s US-Africa summit that his administration supports adding the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 (Susan Walsh/AP/PA)

US President Joe Biden plans to announce at next week’s US-Africa summit that his administration supports adding the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations, according to the White House.

The African Union represents the continent’s 54 countries. The G20 comprises the world’s major industrial and emerging economies and represents more than 80% of the world’s gross domestic product. South Africa is currently the only African member of the G20.