African countries should use the opportunity of G20 membership to promote trade and investment with the world's most powerful countries, experts said ahead of this year's G20 summit.

Sizo Nkala, a senior research fellow at the University of Johannesburg's Centre for Africa-China Studies, told China Daily that the African Union joining the Group of 20 is an important step for Africa to increase its visibility on the global stage, and gives it the opportunity to negotiate with rich nations on equal terms.

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This year's G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the first to be held with the African Union as a member. Last year, the G20 accepted the AU as a permanent member of the group.

"The acceptance of the AU will have an impact on the global economic trajectory. Africa will sit at the table with rich nations and voice its concerns and interests and speak for itself," said Nkala.

Alan Mukoki, CEO of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said while he welcomes the permanent status of the AU at the G20, it remains to be seen how Africa will use and take advantage of it.

He pointed out that Africa must take advantage of this new status to promote trade with the most powerful nations, and seek investment to develop the continent.

Mikatekiso Kubayi, a senior researcher at the South African think tank, the Institute for Global Dialogue, agreed with Mukoki.

He said: "Africans regaining their prominence in multilateral affairs must put their house in order. Africa should negotiate with big players to benefit the continent. The world has realized that Africa, with its gross domestic product of $3.1 trillion and population of over 1.4 billion, cannot be ignored."

Kubayi said African countries and many nations in the Global South need technical skills and funding to assist them in a just transition to clean energy and the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels, and the G20 can assist them in that regard. He said the G20 could also help Africa to prepare for the effects of climate change.

Joseph Upile Matola, an associate economist from the South African Institute of International Affairs think tank, said the AU's permanent G20 membership has the potential to contribute to development in the continent.

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He said that African countries are interested in investment from the G20 in trade, funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation, addressing debt, and peace and security. He said the AU should speak with one voice on trade negotiation issues to deal with bigger nations in the G20.

Ignatius Sehoole, CEO of consultancy KPMG South Africa, said the African business community should build business links with G20 members to promote economic cooperation, investment, and technological exchanges.

The continent faces food insecurity, instability, poor economic growth, inequality and a lack of critical skills, which they can acquire through their association with the G20, he added.

South Africa will take over the G20 presidency on Dec 1, and host the G20 summit next year.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.