Indonesia plans to invite the African Union to host the G20 summit when leaders of the world’s largest economies meet in Bali in November.
President Joko Widodo said this on Sunday during a meeting with the director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva.
Indonesia wants to ensure that the continent is better represented in important meetings. The rising costs of grains and fertilizers from the war in Ukraine have exacerbated the hunger crisis in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Countries like Ghana and Zambia have turned to the IMF to help pay off their debts. Host country Indonesia fears catastrophic consequences for poorer countries if G20 leaders fail to intervene.
The African Union comprises 55 states with a combined gross domestic product of more than $2 trillion. This would put the union in the top 10 of the largest economies in the world. However, South Africa is the continent’s only G20 member.
Last weekend the finance ministers and central bank leaders of the G20 countries met in Bali to discuss the soaring food and energy prices. While the group agreed on the need to address the worsening food crisis, a joint final statement was not forthcoming due to divisions over Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Western countries have imposed severe sanctions on Russia for accusing Moscow of war crimes in Ukraine. Russia, which was also present at the summit as a G20 member, denied these allegations. However, other G20 countries, including China, India, and South Africa, have shown more restraint in their response.