G20 · G20
The premier forum for international economic cooperation — 19 countries plus the EU and AU, representing about 85% of global GDP.
Mandate
Established 1999 at finance-minister level; elevated to leaders' summit in 2008 during the global financial crisis. The African Union joined as the 21st member in 2023. Has no permanent secretariat — leadership rotates by presidency, with an annual leaders' summit.
How it works
Two tracks: the Finance Track (finance ministers and central bank governors) and the Sherpa Track (foreign-affairs leads). Working groups handle development, trade, energy, climate, health, digital. Outputs are non-binding declarations — but they shape IMF policy, FSB policy, and WTO negotiations significantly.
Why it matters
Kenya is not a G20 member. The AU's 2023 accession means African priorities (debt restructuring, climate finance, AfCFTA, trade reform) now have a continental voice at the table. G20 declarations on the Common Framework, climate finance, and global tax matter for Kenyan policy options.
What to watch
Annual leaders' summit communiqué, Finance Track ministerial communiqués, Common Framework progress reports.
More from Global multilaterals
- International Monetary Fund · IMF
The lender of last resort to countries with balance-of-payments problems — and the most influential surveillance institution in international macro.
- World Bank Group · WBG
Five institutions providing financing, advisory services, and risk insurance for development — the largest single provider of long-term concessional finance globally.
- International Finance Corporation · IFC
The World Bank Group's private-sector arm — invests equity and debt in companies and projects across emerging markets.
- Bank for International Settlements · BIS
The 'central bank of central banks' — runs the Basel Committee, sets global banking standards, and provides banking services to central banks.
- World Trade Organization · WTO
The 164-member institution that administers the global trade rulebook — most-favoured-nation, national treatment, dispute settlement.