ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia- African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has appointed Ambassador Fathallah Sijilmassi as Special Envoy for G20 and Global Affairs.
The appointment was announced by the African Union on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Sijilmassi will support the commission chairperson in strengthening the AU’s engagement with the G20 and other international institutions and multilateral platforms.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has appointed H.E. Ambassador Fathallah Sijilmassi as Special Envoy for G20 and Global Affairs,” the AU said.
The continental body said the appointment reflected its commitment to strengthening Africa’s representation in global governance and ensuring the continent’s priorities were included in international decisions.
Sijilmassi is a Moroccan diplomat and economist with experience in diplomacy, regional cooperation and international affairs.
He previously served as director-general of the African Union Commission, a position he assumed in 2021.
Sijilmassi was secretary-general of the Union for the Mediterranean between 2012 and 2018. The organisation brings together countries from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East to promote regional cooperation.
He has also served as Morocco’s ambassador to France, head of Morocco’s mission to the European Union and director of the Moroccan Investment Development Agency.
The new envoy holds a doctorate in economics and has worked on economic diplomacy, investment, trade and cooperation between Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean region.
His appointment comes as the AU increases its participation in global economic discussions following its admission as a permanent member of the G20 in September 2023.
The G20 brings together major global economies and regional bodies to coordinate policies on international economic stability, trade, development, climate financing and other cross-border challenges.
In his new role, Sijilmassi is expected to assist the AU Commission chairperson in advancing common African positions within the G20 and other international forums.
His mandate will also involve supporting the continent’s engagement on global economic and political issues, including development financing, debt, investment, trade and reform of multilateral institutions.
The African Union did not immediately announce the duration of Sijilmassi’s appointment or provide further details about the structure of the new office.
The appointment is part of the AU’s efforts to strengthen coordination and representation as Africa seeks a greater role in decisions affecting the global economy and international governance.
