The African Union (AU) has formally taken its seat as a new member of the G20 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minster, Narendra Modi.

The invitation was given at the opening session of the G20 meeting holding in India. Prime Minister Modi in an opening address to the summit, said “With everyone’s approval, I request the AU head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member”. Thereafter, the head of the AU took a seat alongside world leaders.

The African Union, a continental body of 55 member states, now has the same status as the European Union – the only regional bloc with a full membership.

Before now, the African Union’s previous designation was “invited international organization”.