Officials gathering at the G20 summit in Delhi say they expect the African Union to become the latest member of the organisation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the pan-African organisation to become a permanent member of the G20, arguing that developing nations need a greater say in global decision-making.
The proposal has also won backing of the United States.
The president of the European Council, Charles Michel, said he looked forward to welcoming the AU to the bloc.
South Africa is currently the only representative of the organisation from the continent.
