The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has appointed Moroccan diplomat Fathallah Sijilmassi as Special Envoy for G20 and Global Affairs.
The appointment aims to strengthen the African Union’s engagement with major global institutions and ensure that Africa’s priorities, perspectives, and interests are effectively articulated in international decision-making processes.
In his new role, Sijilmassi will support the AU Commission Chairperson in advancing the Union’s strategic engagement with the G20.
On G20 matters, he will operate under the authority of the AU G20 Sherpa and in line with the continental body’s established G20 governance framework.
His mandate also extends to other key global and multilateral platforms. Sijilmassi will conduct consultations with AU member states, international partners, and relevant stakeholders to promote coordinated African positions on issues of strategic importance to the continent.
These include global governance, reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, trade, climate action, technology, and other emerging global challenges affecting Africa.
The Chairperson expressed confidence in Sijilmassi’s diplomatic experience and knowledge of global affairs, entrusting him with contributing to the advancement of the African Union’s strategic priorities and partnerships at the international level.
Sijilmassi is a seasoned Moroccan diplomat and economist. He previously served as Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, Morocco’s ambassador to France, and head of Morocco’s mission to the European Union in Brussels.