It is essential that African leaders have their voices heard in the debate on possible reforms of the global financial architecture, and the current situation, Gondwe said in an Africa Progress Panel report released prior to the G20 summit.

"While it is noteworthy that British Prime Minister (Gordon Brown) has invited notable African leaders to discuss issues that are of interest to the continent, it would have been more appropriate if Africa was adequately represented at the G20," the newspaper quoted Gondwe as saying.

A fairer global trade system would be more useful to African nations than aid, Gondwe said, adding that the continent's farmers have been affected by falling commodity prices, especially agricultural products.

He said producer subsidies in the United States and Europe were also threatening Africa's agricultural industry, and these subsidies drive the African producers out of the global market, exacerbating poverty as a result.

Gondwe said Africa's trading partners could help by working out measures that would promote demand for the continent's products.

The G20 was initiated at a meeting of G7 finance ministers in Washington, D.C. in September 1999 when the Asian financial crisis awakened the world's economic powers to the need of incorporating key industrial and emerging market countries into the global economic and financial policy-making.

Among African countries, only South Africa is a member of the G20 club.