The G-20 and Africa: A Critical Assessment

The assessment is made in the context of the possible failure by the G-20 to take into account the legitimate interests of sub-Saharan African countries, among which only South Africa is a G-20 member. It evaluates G-20 performance in five critical areas. They are, respectively, identifying aims, respect for applicable principles of international law, good administrative practice, comprehensive coverage and co-ordinated specialisation. After closely examining G-20 summit outcomes against each of these criteria, the briefing lists a series of recommendations on how G-20 member states might become more responsive to sub-Saharan Africa’s concerns, and how African countries might influence in their favour G-20 policies in the areas under review.