President William Ruto now says that the inclusion of Africa in the G20 will increase the continent's voice on global issues.
In a statement after the African Union's admission, Ruto said Kenya welcomes the decision because it will also provide a platform to push for Africa's common interests.
"Kenya welcomes the addition of the African Union, the fastest growing continent in the world to the G20. This will increase the voice of Africa, visibility, and influence on the global stage and provide a platform to advance the common interest of our people," Ruto said.
He said the inclusion aligns with the resolutions made at the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi.
"This fits perfectly with the resolutions of the just-concluded Africa Climate Summit, including the reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks," Ruto said.
The admission was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, in his opening remarks at the G20 summit.
India is the current holder of the G20 presidency.
This now means South Africa is no longer the sole G20 representative of a continent of roughly 1.4 billion people.
The African Union has welcomed its admission into the G20.
AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki said the inclusion in the G20 will offer an opportunity and framework to push for advocacy for the African continent.
"I welcome the African Union's entry into the #G20 as a full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favour of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges," Faki said on Saturday.
