Africa gains stronger voice on world stage, AU commission chair says

Africa’s position on the global stage is steadily growing stronger, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said.

In a video message addressed to participants of the 2026 Africa Day event in Baku, held under the theme “Rising Continent, Emerging Partnerships,” he highlighted that the continent’s admission as a permanent member of the G20 marks a historic milestone, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"This has opened the door for Africa to fully participate in global economic decision-making and make a meaningful contribution to international decisions on issues of peace, climate, food security, trade, health, and sustainable development," Youssouf stated.

He further noted that the African Union is continuing to pursue institutional reforms designed to improve its efficiency and effectiveness, while also ensuring stronger representation of the continent’s populations and priorities.

The chairperson underlined that the African Union's current agenda places strong emphasis on securing sustainable water resources and expanding access to safe sanitation systems as key elements of Agenda 2063.

According to Youssouf, this approach reflects the central importance of water security, climate resilience, and public health in shaping Africa’s long-term development trajectory.

By Jeyhun Aghazada