Context:
African Union (AU) is set to join the G-20 as negotiators agreed on clearing its membership.
About African Union:
- A continental body launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity.
- Members – All 55 member countries of the African Continent
- Primary Objective: To promote unity, cooperation, and development among African nations while advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage.
- Aim – To strengthen political, economic, and social integration among African countries, with a vision of achieving an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.
- Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Structure & Organs –
- Assembly:Highest decision-making body.
- Executive Council:Foreign affairs ministers that handles policy matters.
- AU Commission:Administrative arm responsible for implementing the decisions of the Assembly and the Executive Council.
- Peace and Security Council
- Promotes the participation of African citizens and civil society through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
African Continental Free Trade Area:
- Established in 2018 by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA).
- Objectives –
- To create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments
- To pave the way for accelerating the establishment of the Continental Customs Union and the African customs union.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements about G-20:
1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues.
2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
