GCAP applauds initiative by the AU to seek G20 membership

(Press Release)--The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), representing civil society organisations in over 130 countries applauds the initiative by the African Union (AU) to be a full member at the G20. We also pledge our full support for the AU in pursuing this initiative.

According to Adelaide Sosseh, GCAP co-chair and member of the GCAP Africa governing council, ‘Africa’s lack of united representation on the global scene is sidelining the continent. Successes are going unnoticed and even help given in some areas is becoming redundant. Africa’s inclusion as a recognised bloc in the G20 will give her a unified negotiating point in the G20’.

The lack of formal membership leaves Africa from holding the G20 accountable to delivery on their promises. The formal absence of Africa on the G20 helps to perpetuate Africa as a recipient of aid, rather than having the ability to effectively engage as an equal development partner with the right to participate in decision making and to be actively part of determining the global development agenda.

Until this happens, over 50 African states remain excluded from G20 decision-making. This is despite the fact that the combined states of the AU comprise the world’s 17th largest economy with a nominal GDP of $500 billion. Taking purchasing power parity into account, the AU economy totals $1.5 billion, making it the 11th largest economy after Russia.

As Christophe Zoungrana, GCAP Africa regional coordinator says, ‘In terms of Africa’s contribution to the global market or its success in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, no tally is being kept. Africa is fragmented. When we appear on the global scene, it is imaginable that no one knows where to begin with this continent. It only makes sense that we unite and demand our presence as one bloc. Our issues, just like our strengths are deeply intertwined. If it is an audience with the world that we seek, why not ask for it with one voice. The AU deserves a formal place at the G20 Table!’

As a global campaign with a presence in over a 130 countries in the world, we commit to rallying our members in Africa, G20 countries and worldwide to support the AU in their demand.

Long live Africa! Long live the African Union! Long Live GCAP Africa and GCAP worldwide!

For more information, please contact:

1. Eshetu Bekele, Executive Director, PANE & GCAP Ethiopia National Coordinator on: +251(011) 6635965/6639428 / +251 (091) 1227315, or

2. Sonia Kwami, GCAP Project Accelerate Africa Coordinator on: +233 244733909 or

For more information about GCAP, visit our website on: www.whiteband.org

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