The African Union (AU) will convene a Strategic AU-G20 Retreat over the next two days in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The meeting comes amid growing debate over whether the continental body should boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in Miami in solidarity with South Africa (SA), which played a pivotal role in securing the AU's admission into the bloc. The retreat is expected to focus on key issues, including lessons from SA's G20 Presidency, Africa's opportunities and priorities in the context of the 2026 U.S. G20 agenda, the development of a common AU position aligned with Agenda 2063, and strengthening coordination as well as leadership transition within the bloc.

Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Dr Oscar van Heerden, International Relations Expert from the Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg.