Azali Assoumani said India is a superpower in terms of “inhabitance” and “ahead of China now”…reports Asian Lite News
President of the Union of Comoros and chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, on Sunday said India is a superpower in terms of “inhabitance” and “ahead of China now”.Assoumani said as the fifth superpower in the world, there was enough room for India in Africa.”India is the 5th superpower in the world so there is enough room for India in Africa. We also know that India is so powerful that it went to space. So we just need to coordinate…India is a superpower in terms of inhabitance, India is ahead of China now,” the AU chairperson said. He also praised India for advancements in space research.Opening up on the moment when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugged him after formally inducting the African Union into the G20 family, the AU Chairperson said it was an emotional one for him. He added that he thought there would be a debate before a decision is arrived at but the African Union was announced as part of the G20 family at the very outset of the two-day summit on Sunday.”I was about to cry. It was a great emotion for me. Because actually, we thought that there was going to be a debate and then a decision would be taken but at the very beginning of the Summit it was announced that we were a member,” he said. In his opening remarks at the 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday, PM Modi invited the African Union, represented by Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.
The African Union chairperson expressed his gratitude to the G20 member countries for the historic inclusion of the bloc in the G20 family. Assoumani took to his official handle on ‘X’ to post, “The G20 has just ratified, through the voice of the Prime Minister of India, @narendramodi, the admission of the @_AfricanUnion into its fold. On behalf of the African continent, I sincerely thank all the member countries of the @g20org for this historic admission.”On Sunday, PM Modi held a meeting with Assoumani, congratulating him on the African bloc joining the G20 family.Taking to his official handle on ‘X’, PM Modi posted, “Had a very fruitful meeting with @PR_AZALI. Congratulated him once again on @_AfricanUnion joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to India’s SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more.
Had a very fruitful meeting with @PR_AZALI. Congratulated him once again on @_AfricanUnion joining the G20 family. Comoros is vital to India’s SAGAR Vision. Our deliberations included ways to enhance cooperation in areas like shipping, trade and more. pic.twitter.com/Zd4Nbm7YvZ
“Earlier in the day, PM Modi called the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 a “significant stride” towards a more inclusive global dialogue.He stated that India was looking forward to collaborative efforts that benefit the entire world.African Union is a union consisting of 55 member states in Africa. The move to include the African Union in the G20 grouping was proposed by PM Modi earlier this June. (ANI)
For a #G20, which is more inclusive and more vocal for Global South!
PM @narendramodi warmly invites President @_AfricanUnion & Comoros Azali Assoumani to join other G20 leaders as African Union becomes a permanent member of the G20.
The Africa CDC said the AU, strongly representing the voice of around 1.4 billion Africans, now stands alongside the European Union as the second continental and regional intergovernmental organization to attain permanent membership in the G20…reports Asian Lite News
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has said that it would cooperate with the Group of 20 (G20) members on health-related issues.
The Africa CDC, a specialized healthcare agency of the African Union (AU), hailed the decision to grant the AU permanent membership in the G20, Xinhua news agency reported.
“This development signifies Africa’s ascent as a significant player on the world stage, ready to champion causes and concerns of the continent, which is home to the planet’s largest free trade area,” the agency said.
“Per its mandate, and as the continental public health institution for Africa, Africa CDC will represent African countries to the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting,” the statement read.
The Africa CDC said the AU, strongly representing the voice of around 1.4 billion Africans, now stands alongside the European Union as the second continental and regional intergovernmental organization to attain permanent membership in the G20.
It commended the G20 for its commitment to eliminating hunger and malnutrition, fostering digital ecosystems for health, strengthening global health and implementing the One Health approach. It praised the G20 for strengthening global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, with strong support for local manufacturing of vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and consumables.
“The Africa CDC is committed to leveraging this new position to advance shared values and advocate for the interests of Africa including in all other multilateral organizations. This is time for Africa to act,” it said.
Earlier on Saturday, the G20 members agreed to grant permanent membership to the AU to make the group more representative. The agreement was reached at the inaugural session of the two-day G20 summit held in the Indian capital of New Delhi during the weekend.
The quake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km…reports Asian Lite News
The death toll from a strong earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday night has surpassed 2,000, according to country’s interior ministry.
“There is destruction everywhere,” Eyewitnesses near the High Atlas mountains were quoted as saying by CNN
According to USGS, the temblor was the most deadliest to hit the North African country in decades.
The quake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km.
The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including Rabat and Casablanca. Many houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.
Xinhua correspondents at Ouarzazate, about 190 km southeast of Marrakesh, saw residents taking shelter in an open space after the earthquake.
“There have been earthquakes before, but none of them were as strong as this one,” said a resident in Ouarzazate who requires anonymity.
The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicenter, and many residents had to spend the night in the open space for fear of potential aftershocks, said Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh.
Germany President released a statement on Saturday, sending “heartfelt condolences for lives lost.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the G20 summit in New Delhi on Saturday with “heartfelt condolences” to everyone affected by the quake.
Global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, France’s Emanuel Macron, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, extended their condolences to Morocco.
The UN Chief also said he is strongly supportive of the presence of an African country, at least as a permanent member of the Security Council…reports Asian Lite News
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday said that he would be very happy to see the inclusion of the African Union as a member in the G20.
On India pitching to bring the African Union into G20, Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres said, “The UN has a very solid partnership with the African Union. Africa has a serious problem of representation in today’s international institutions. When they were created, the African continent had few independent countries. Most of the countries were still under colonial regimes…”
“I’m strongly supportive of the presence of an African country, at least as a permanent member of the Security Council, that I consider it is essential to reform Africa to have a stronger participation. I would be very happy to see the African Union as a member of the G20,” he said.
The UN Chief further spoke on India’s G20 Presidency and said that he is confident that India will do everything possible to make sure that the geopolitical divide that exists is overcome and that the G20 can conclude with possible results.
“I am confident that India will do everything possible to make sure that the geopolitical divide that exists, overcome and that the G20 can conclude with possible results…I will be very interested in seeing the emerging economies and developed countries that are gathering in the G20 to be able to come to a united approach, to an increased ambition. Ambition in mitigation to reduce emissions as we are facing a catastrophic climate situation and ambition in justice to provide developing countries with the resources they need for climate action in adaptation and in mitigation…,” Guterres said.
Earlier in June, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a bold step in taking Africa’s voice on the international stage and shaping the future of the shared world, sources said, adding that he has written to G20 counterparts to provide the African Union with full membership at the upcoming G20 Summit in the national capital, New Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi is also a strong believer in holding a greater voice of the Global South countries on international platforms, particularly of African countries, noted the sources.
As part of India’s G20 Presidency, he has particularly focused on incorporating priorities of the African countries in the G20 agenda, they added.
Furthermore, the Spokesperson for the UN Chief, Stephane Dujarric said in a statement that Guterres will be attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi and he looks forward to participating in it under India’s leadership.
Speaking to ANI, Dujarric said, “The Secretary-General will be going to the G20. He looks forward to participating under India’s leadership. The theme of the G20, of bringing one family, one planet, one Earth, is very important. We are living in a multipolar world, but multipolarity by itself will not solve the issue.
“We need to fight against fragmentation, and the G20 has an opportunity to do that. Secretary-General also expects quite a lot from the G20 nations, which are the 20 leading economies of the world,” he said.
India is hosting the G20 Leader’s Summit in the national capital at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam on September 9-10.
This is the first time that the G20 Summit is taking place under India’s presidency. The event will be attended by many global leaders and delegates. Extensive preparations and arrangements have been made for the summit, with the intention of showcasing both India’s soft power as well as modern face.
The G20 was formed in 1999 to maintain global financial stability by incorporating middle-income countries.
The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies. (ANI)
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber during a keynote address at the inaugural African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo: WAM)
The new UAE finance initiative will provide US$4.5 billion to help unlock Africa’s clean energy potential….reports Asian Lite News
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate, announced a UAE finance initiative that will provide US$4.5 billion to help unlock Africa’s clean energy potential.
The announcement was made during a keynote address at the inaugural African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
The landmark initiative brings together vital public, private, and development capital from UAE institutions, notably from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), Masdar, and AMEA Power. Africa50, which is an investment platform established by African governments and the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), has also joined the UAE finance initiative. Africa50 was founded to help solve the continent’s critical infrastructure challenges and will help identify initial projects and connect to local implementing entities.
The COP28 President Designate has repeatedly called for the global tripling of renewable energy by 2030 and has pushed to make finance more available, accessible and affordable.
The announcement came with a clear call to action for African leaders to improve policy and regulatory frameworks to attract the long-term investments necessary to accelerate the deployment of clean and renewable energy.
In order to reduce barriers to investment, the President-Designate highlighted multiple action points that require the coordinated efforts of African leaders and the international community. These include restoring the financial sustainability of local utilities and modernising basic energy infrastructures, clarifying development processes and eliminating the red-tape delaying market lead-time, in addition to eliminating restrictions to capital flows and accessing adequate and affordable risk mitigation measures.
During his remarks, the COP President Designate said, “This initiative builds on the UAE’s track record of commercially driven, innovative blended finance solutions that can be deployed to promote the adoption of clean energy in emerging and developing nations. This multi-stakeholder partnership approach is designed to accelerate sustainable economic progress, address the challenge of climate change and stimulate low carbon growth.”
He added, “The initiative will prioritise investments in countries across Africa with clear transition strategies, enhanced regulatory frameworks and a master plan for developing grid infrastructure that integrates supply and demand. In short, this initiative is designed to work with Africa, for Africa. It aims to clearly demonstrate the commercial case for clean investment across this continent. And it will act as a scalable model that can be replicated to help put Africa on a superhighway to low carbon growth.”
Fast-tracking the energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives and livelihoods, and underscoring these efforts with full inclusivity are the key pillars of the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda.
In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 600 million people live without access to electricity. Delivering greater access to clean energy will drive social and economic development but currently investment in African renewables represents only 2 percent of the global total, and less than a quarter of the US$60 billion a year the continent needs by 2030.
The initiative announced today seeks to correct this imbalance by bringing key stakeholders together to accelerate development and delivery of infrastructure, generation and distribution solutions to close the gap in universal clean energy access.
The initiative will sit under the umbrella of Etihad 7, a development platform launched by the UAE at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in 2022, and championed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Announced in 2022, Etihad 7 aims to provide 100 million people across the African continent with clean electricity by 2035.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) are kickstarting this initiative through funding the initial investment intended to catalyse private sector action. ADFD is supporting with US$1 billion of financial assistance to address basic infrastructure needs, offer innovative finance solutions and increase mobilization of private investments. The ECI is providing US$ 500 million of credit insurance to de-risk and unlock private capital – further demonstrating ECI’s commitment towards global sustainable development.
Masdar, one of the world’s largest clean energy companies, active in 22 countries in Africa, is committing an additional US$2 billion of equity as part of the new initiative. Masdar will mobilize an additional US$8 billion in project finance and through its Infinity Power platform. Masdar will target the delivery of 10 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy capacity in Africa by 2030.
AMEA Power is targeting 5GW of renewable energy capacity in the continent by 2030, mobilising US$5 billion, of which US$1 billion will come from equity commitment, and US$4 billion from project finance.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to create pathways for other multilateral development banks, governments, and philanthropies to catalyse additional private sector investment. The COP28 Presidency has called for others including international financial institutions (IFIs) and foundations to join the effort to convert words into actions.
The COP28 UAE Presidency also recognises that the Global South needs to be in the driver’s seat to ensure a fully inclusive approach.
The COP28 UAE Presidency continues to call for the doubling of adaptation finance and to operationalize funding arrangements for Loss and Damage to ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are protected. The COP28 Presidency is working to achieve broader reform of IFIs to unlock necessary mitigation as well as adaption financing to support the Global South.
Today’s announcement comes days before the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is due to release the technical data around the first Global Stocktake of climate progress since the 2015 Paris Agreement. It is widely anticipated that the Stocktake will find that the world is off-track from meeting its objectives as outlined In 2015.
The UAE Carbon Alliance is a coalition of partners dedicated to advancing the development of a carbon market ecosystem. ..reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Carbon Alliance, chaired by H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative’s Advance Market Signal to pledge an indicative intended purchase of US$450 million in African carbon credits by 2030.
The Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) is a collaborative effort incubated by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and The Rockefeller Foundation, and rolled out in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions.
Launched during COP27, the initiative aims to create, amplify, and sustain the next generation of high integrity carbon credits in Africa with the ambition to reduce emissions and bring transparency and integrity to voluntary carbon markets in the region.
Signatories under ACMI’s Advance Market Signal represent the carbon market buyers and investors interested in purchasing African carbon credits to support the development of African carbon markets.
H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President & CEO of UICCA, said: “As we navigate the climate crisis, carbon markets stand as a pivotal tool in our decarbonisation journey. The UAE Carbon Alliance aspires to aggregate demand for high-quality carbon credits from the UAE; demand which already exceeds the supply available from the UAE alone. Our collaboration with the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative provides carbon market buyers in the UAE and wider region with access to high-quality carbon credits in Africa. This does not only help to unlock Africa’s carbon credit generation potential, but also supports sustainable investment opportunities and long-term climate impact. Through this pledge, we hope to foster more integrated and efficient carbon market mechanisms between our two regions.”
Paul Muthaura, CEO of ACMI, said: “We are thrilled to announce this critical signal from the United Arab Emirates Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), which amplifies the ACMI mission to build integrity via transparency and accountability for high-integrity carbon credits in Africa. We seek to promote a conducive environment, across continental jurisdictions, that bridges the demand from the Middle East, among others, with Africa’s potential for high integrity supply. UICCA’s pledge is a testament to the opportunity created through international cooperation in addressing climate change. Together, we aim to create a sustainable, transparent, and equitable carbon market ecosystem in Africa that will drive significant positive impact for our continent and the world.”
To date, the current signatories under ACMI’s Advance Market Signal include Standard Chartered, Vertree, ETG and Nando’s, with an estimated US$200 million collected for purchase of African carbon credits by 2030. ACMI is aligned with the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative’s recommendations.
The UAE Carbon Alliance is a coalition of partners dedicated to advancing the development of a carbon market ecosystem. Chaired by H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, its founding members include AirCarbon Exchange (ACX), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), in addition to UICCA as its secretariat.
Raisi highlighted Iran’s good relations with most African states following the 1979 Islamic Revolution…reports Asian Lite News
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said that his country is ready to transfer its experiences and achievements to friendly countries, especially those in Africa.
He made the remarks on Monday at a meeting with Burkina Faso’s visiting Foreign Minister Olivia Rouamba in the Iranian capital Tehran, in which the two sides also discussed bilateral relations, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president’s office.
Raisi highlighted Iran’s good relations with most African states following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and praised African countries’ resistance against colonialism and terrorism, Xinhua news agency reported.
Rouamba, for her part, said African countries, including Burkina Faso, draw inspiration from the resistance of Iran’s Islamic Revolution against the global hegemonic system.
Rouamba described Iran as a friendly and brotherly state, expressing Burkina Faso’s interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Earlier on Monday, Rouamba met her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and discussed boosting bilateral trade ties as well as important regional and international issues.
Modi said Africa is “top priority” for India and that it works for the inclusion of those in global affairs who feel their voices are not being heard…reports Asian Lite News
India backs inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the Group of 20 largest economies as no plan for the future of the planet can be successful without the representation and recognition of all voices, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, days ahead of the annual summit of the influential bloc.
In an exclusive interview to PTI, Modi said Africa is “top priority” for India and that it works for the inclusion of those in global affairs who feel their voices are not being heard.
In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice, flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent.
“I would like to draw your attention to the theme of our G20 presidency — ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family, One Future’. It is not just a slogan but a comprehensive philosophy that is derived from our cultural ethos,” Modi said during the wide-ranging interview at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence.
“This guides our outlook within India and towards the world too,” he said, responding to a question on India’s proposal for African Union’s G20 membership.
The prime minister has been leading from the front on the issue of the African Union’s membership of the G20. In June, Modi wrote to the G20 leaders pitching for according the African Union the full membership of the grouping at its New Delhi summit.
Weeks later, the proposal was formally included in the draft communique for the summit during the third G20 Sherpas meeting that took place in Karnataka’s Hampi in July.
A final decision on the proposal would be taken at the G20 summit to be held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. The African Union (AU) is an influential organisation comprising 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent.
The prime minister also referred to India’s hosting of the Voice of the Global South summit in January that was aimed at bringing to international stage the challenges facing the developing countries.
“Africa is a top priority for us even within the G20. One of the first things we did during our G20 Presidency was to hold the Voice of the Global South summit, which had enthusiastic participation from Africa,” Modi said.
Prime Minister #NarendraModi has expressed support for the African Union to become a full member of the #G20, stating that no plan for the future of the planet can be successful without the representation and recognition of all voices.https://t.co/TggcY1r6Rs
“We believe that no plan for the future of the planet can be successful without the representation and recognition of all voices,” he said.
“There is a need to come out of a purely utilitarian world view and embrace a ‘Sarva Jana Hitaaya, Sarva Jana Sukhaaya’ (for the welfare of all, for the happiness of all) model,” he added.
The prime minister noted that India’s affinity to Africa is natural as it has had millennia-old cultural and commerce ties with the region.
“When we say we see the world as a family, we truly mean it. Every country’s voice matters, no matter the size, economy or region.
“In this, we are also inspired by the humane vision and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela, and Kwame Nkrumah,” he said The prime minister said the effort towards “greater inclusion” of the Global South, particularly Africa in global affairs has gained momentum and that India’s G20 presidency has sowed the “seeds of confidence” in the countries of the so-called ‘Third World’.
“They are gaining greater confidence to shape the direction of the world in the coming years on many issues such as climate change and global institutional reforms. We will move faster towards a more representative and inclusive order where every voice is heard,” he said.
“Further, all this will happen with the cooperation of the developed countries, because today, they are acknowledging the potential of the Global South more than ever before and recognising the aspirations of these countries as a force for the global good,” he said.
The G20 includes the world’s 19 wealthiest countries and the European Union.
This gives India a unique opportunity to steer the agenda and create a more diverse and representative platform, aligning perfectly with India’s own global aspirations to foster a multipolar world…reports Asian Lite News
Amidst the various endorsements that the African Union (AU) has received for its G20 membership bid, India’s support stands out for several compelling reasons. First, it further solidifies India’s status as a key player in global governance and as a nation that champions inclusivity and diversity on the international stage.
While some have pointed towards China’s growing influence in Africa and how that could translate into power play at the G20, when asked India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant said, “PM was very clear that we have to, after all, they comprise of 55 countries and you need to make G20 far more inclusive. G20 is not like G7. It comprises both developed and developing countries or emerging countries. Look at Africa, six of the fastest growing 12 nations are from Africa. So, you need to make them a part if the world is going to grow on that side. If the word is going to grow in these regions, then you need to make them a part of the G20.”
Secondly, India and Africa have a long history of cooperation, from trade and education to healthcare and technology. India’s initiative to back the AU’s G20 bid is a natural progression of this partnership, making it more than just symbolic—it’s strategic. This echoes India’s role in the Pan-African e-Network Project and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, both of which underscore the commitment to sharing resources and knowledge with African nations.
Third, India’s endorsement carries weight within the G20 framework, particularly given its burgeoning economy and geopolitical influence. As a BRICS member alongside Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, India’s backing is likely to influence other nations that are still sitting on the fence.
Fourth, India’s proposal to add the AU comes at a time when the country holds the presidency of the G20. This gives India a unique opportunity to steer the agenda and create a more diverse and representative platform, aligning perfectly with India’s own global aspirations to foster a multipolar world.
Finally, India’s backing adds momentum to the push for a more inclusive G20, a move that reflects a broader shift in the world order. As countries in the Global South continue to rise in prominence, it’s essential that institutions like the G20 adapt to become more reflective of today’s diverse global landscape.
India’s support for the African Union’s entry into the G20 is a landmark moment in international diplomacy. It not only strengthens the AU’s bid but also enhances India’s standing as a global leader advocating for a more equitable and representative international order. This aligns well with the ethos of the G20, which seeks to address the challenges of the global economy. Thus, India’s proposal serves as a pioneering step forward, heralding a future where inclusivity and collective wisdom drive global decisions.
The African Union’s decision to formally request membership in the G20 marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of international governance. Adopted in February 2023 during the AU Summit, led by Macky Sall, President of Senegal and then AU Chairperson, this decision embodies the continent’s aspiration to participate more actively in shaping global policies. The Summit eloquently conveyed the imperative for Africa’s increased role in global decision-making processes.
The majority of G20 members have publicly endorsed the AU’s bid for membership. India’s Prime Minister Modi wholeheartedly supported this endeavor, confirming India’s long-standing partnership with the AU and Africa at large. Among the G20 member states, many have publicly backed the AU’s entry, while some have not expressed their position.
Proponents argue that the AU’s inclusion would make the G20 more representative and thereby boost its credibility. The G20, which currently represents 65% of the world’s population, would then speak for about 80% of global citizens. Janet Yellen, US Treasury Secretary, emphasized during her Africa visit that “any serious solution requires African leadership and voices.” She articulated why the United States, among other nations, firmly supports AU’s bid.
The benefits for Africa are clear. Membership in the G20 would give African nations a direct say in tackling major global challenges, including economic growth, climate change, and sustainable development. The AU has already announced that its representation in the G20 would be led by its current chairperson, assisted by the AU Commission Chairperson.
While some critics feel that India has been slow to formally propose Africa’s invitation to the G20, it is evident that the groundwork has been laid for this significant move. “This was the PM’s vision. It was his perspective, his reason, his outlook, that India must be the voice of the Global South. And the PM (Modi) had spoken about this earlier in Bali as well. And the first thing he did was that we wrote to all the leaders of G20 that India would like the AU to be a permanent member. That has had a very positive and overwhelming response, and the issue is being discussed. But broadly, there’s been a very good response to the PM’s proposal. It’s his vision,” Amitabh Kant told India Today.
As the G20 Summit on September 9 approaches, the collective will of the G20 member states should be harnessed to create a consensus supporting the AU’s membership. This would not only be a win for Africa but also for the G20, making it more inclusive and effective.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We remain committed to opening up underserved markets and supporting Dubai’s aviation hub…reports Asian Lite News
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, announced the launch of flights to Mombasa from 17th January 2024. flydubai becomes the first national carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai and the UAE to the coastal city in southeast Kenya.
Flights to Moi International Airport (MBA) will operate four times a week from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB). With the launch of operations to Mombasa, flydubai grows its network in Africa to 11 destinations in 10 countries, this includes Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu and Zanzibar.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We remain committed to opening up underserved markets and supporting Dubai’s aviation hub. Dubai has seen steady growth in investment from Africa since Expo 2020, with more than 26,000 African companies registered with Dubai Chamber. Our direct flights to Mombasa from January and our growing operations in Africa will further support free flows of trade and tourism between the UAE and the East African markets.” “We see a lot of potential in the African markets and we look forward to growing our presence in the continent as we continue to grow our network and fleet in the coming years,” added Al Ghaith. Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and is known for its ancient architecture and beautiful sandy beaches. The city plays a vital role in import and export trade, and is a gateway into East Africa, not only serving Kenya but its neighbouring countries as well.
Commenting on the start of flights, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) at flydubai, said: “Africa is very important for flydubai and we are always exploring opportunities to better serve the market with reliable options to travel conveniently to Dubai and further afield onto the combined flydubai and Emirates network. Mombasa will be another great destination on our network for passengers from the UAE, GCC and Europe seeking pristine beaches, wildlife parks and cultural experiences. We look forward to the start of our four-times weekly service to Mombasa and to increasing the frequency to the market in the future.”
