Daily Current Affairs : 15-July-2023

The African Union (AU), a continental union comprising 55 member states, has emerged as a significant player in shaping Africa’s future since its inception in 2001. Over the years, India has actively engaged with the AU through various initiatives, fostering a strong and vibrant partnership. In a move that could have far-reaching implications for both India and Africa, India has proposed to include the AU as a full member of the G20, signaling a new era of collaboration on the global stage.

The African Union: A Brief Overview

The AU was established in 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the goal of replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Launched in 2002 in Durban, South Africa, the AU seeks to promote unity and solidarity among African nations, foster peace, and drive socioeconomic development across the continent. The decision-making body of the AU, known as the Assembly of the African Union, comprises heads of state and government from its member states, making crucial decisions on behalf of the continent.

India’s Engagements with the African Union

Recognizing the importance of engaging with Africa, India has taken significant steps to bolster its relations with the AU:

  1. Pan African E-Network Project (PANEP): In 2009, India implemented the PANEP across 47 African countries. This ambitious project aimed to enhance education and medical services in Africa through technology and knowledge-sharing. The PANEP not only contributed to capacity building in education and healthcare but also strengthened decision-making capabilities within the African Union Commission (AUC).
  2. India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS): The India-AU partnership witnessed a substantial boost with the inception of the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2008. This summit, held every three years, provided a platform for leaders from India and Africa to collaborate and chart a course for future cooperation. During the summit, both sides adopted the Delhi Declaration and the Africa-India Framework for Cooperation, laying the foundation for a comprehensive partnership in the 21st century.
Strengthening India-AU Economic Ties

India’s commitment to Africa’s development is reflected in its trade policies:

  1. Unilateral Duty-Free Market Access: India’s support for Africa’s economic growth is evident through its announcement of unilateral duty-free and preferential market access for exports from all Least Developed Countries (LDCs), of which 34 are in Africa. This move fosters economic integration and enhances the continent’s export potential, thereby promoting sustainable economic development.
Implications of AU’s Inclusion in the G20

India’s proposal to include the AU as a full member of the G20 can have far-reaching implications on multiple fronts:

  1. Enhanced Representation: The inclusion of the AU in the G20 will provide a platform for African nations to have a more prominent voice in global economic and political affairs. It will enable the continent to contribute actively to discussions on issues of global importance, such as climate change, sustainable development, and global trade.
  2. Strengthening Global Cooperation: Collaboration between India and the AU within the G20 framework can foster greater South-South cooperation. This partnership can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes and facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives.
  3. Addressing Global Challenges: Together, India and the AU can address pressing global challenges, including poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and peacekeeping. Their combined efforts can lead to innovative solutions and create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Important Points:

  • The African Union (AU) is a continental union comprising 55 member states, founded in 2001 to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
  • The AU’s decision-making body is the Assembly of the African Union, consisting of heads of state and government from member states.
  • India has actively engaged with the AU through initiatives like the Pan African E-Network Project (PANEP) and the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS).
  • PANEP, implemented in 2009, aimed to enhance education and healthcare in 47 African countries, contributing to capacity building within the AUC.
  • IAFS, launched in 2008 and held every three years, strengthened India-AU relations and led to the Delhi Declaration and Africa-India Framework for Cooperation.
  • India announced unilateral duty-free and preferential market access for exports from all Least Developed Countries (LDCs), benefiting 34 African nations.
  • India proposed to include the AU as a full member of the G20, which would enhance Africa’s representation and voice in global economic and political affairs.
  • Inclusion in the G20 would strengthen global cooperation between India and the AU, fostering South-South collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
  • Collaboration within the G20 framework could address global challenges such as poverty, healthcare, education, and peacekeeping.
  • The partnership between India and the AU emphasizes cooperation, solidarity, and progress on the global stage, leading to a more inclusive and prosperous world.
Why In News

India’s groundbreaking proposal to extend full membership to the African Union within the G20 has garnered widespread support from nations worldwide, heralding a new era of cooperation and representation for African nations on the global stage.As the African Union becomes an integral part of the G20, this historic move is expected to amplify the voice of the continent, fostering inclusive dialogue and collaborative efforts in tackling pressing global challenges for a more equitable and prosperous future.

MCQs about African Union in G20 Fold

  1. What is the main decision-making body of the AU?
    A. African Union Commission (AUC)
    B. Pan-African Parliament
    C. Assembly of the African Union
    D. Organization of African Unity (OAU)
    Correct Answer: C. Assembly of the African Union
    Explanation: The main decision-making body of the AU is the Assembly of the African Union, consisting of heads of state and government from member states, which is responsible for making important decisions on behalf of the continent.
  2. Which two initiatives did India undertake in association with the AU?
    A. Pan-African Parliament and Delhi Declaration
    B. Pan African E-Network Project (PANEP) and India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)
    C. Africa-India Framework for Cooperation and PANEP
    D. India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) and African Union Commission (AUC)
    Correct Answer: B. Pan African E-Network Project (PANEP) and India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS)
    Explanation: India undertook two initiatives in association with the AU: the PANEP aimed to enhance education and healthcare in Africa, while the IAFS fostered a comprehensive partnership between India and the AU.
  3. What is the significance of India’s proposal to include the AU as a full member of the G20?
    A. It provides financial aid to the AU for development projects.
    B. It strengthens global cooperation between India and the AU.
    C. It grants AU member states preferential trade access to India.
    D. It establishes a new headquarters for the AU in India.
    Correct Answer: B. It strengthens global cooperation between India and the AU.
    Explanation: By including the AU as a full member of the G20, India’s proposal strengthens global cooperation between India and the AU. This move provides a platform for African nations to have a more prominent voice in global economic and political affairs, fostering greater collaboration between India and the AU on global issues.

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