EU backs stronger voice for Africa in G20 common framework

European Union (EU) Ambassador to the African Union (AU), Javier Niño Pérez, has called for deeper cooperation between Africa and Europe through the G20 Common Framework, saying stronger African participation in global decision-making is key to tackling growing economic and geopolitical challenges.

Speaking during the EU-COMESA dialogue meeting on Tuesday, Pérez said the European Union welcomed Africa’s full representation in the G20 and remained committed to supporting the continent’s increased role in international governance institutions.

He said the Africa-Europe partnership must evolve beyond trade and investment into a broader political alliance capable of jointly addressing global challenges.

Pérez noted that the G20 platform offered Africa and Europe an important opportunity to engage on major global issues such as debt restructuring, economic reforms, climate change, digital transformation and international conflicts.

“We are extremely happy that Africa is now fully represented in the G20,” he said, adding that the European Union would continue advocating for a stronger role for African institutions in global governance structures.

He stressed the need for countries and regions to strengthen multilateral cooperation amid rising global uncertainty, warning against unilateral approaches and restrictive trade measures.

According to Pérez, the G20 Common Framework and other multilateral platforms provide African countries with opportunities to work alongside international partners in shaping solutions to economic and financial challenges affecting developing nations.

He said Africa and Europe shared common values centred on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect, which remained essential for achieving global stability and sustainable development.

Pérez also commended the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and other regional economic communities for advancing Africa’s integration agenda and strengthening the continent’s collective voice on the international stage.

He said regional blocs played a critical role in Africa’s development aspirations and were essential in positioning the continent to engage effectively within global platforms such as the G20.

The ambassador further reaffirmed the European Union’s support for reforms aimed at increasing African representation in global governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council.

Pérez said Africa and Europe must continue working together to reform and strengthen the multilateral system in response to emerging global challenges.

“We simply have to listen to each other, learn from each other, and build together,” he said.

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