South Africa, the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency, aims to leverage this historic opportunity to spotlight the continent’s development priorities, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at a briefing to launch the presidency, Ramaphosa called it a “great moment for our continent” and the Global South. He pledged to integrate African and broader developing world perspectives into the powerful forum, which represents 85% of global GDP and 75% of world trade.
“We will use this moment to bring development priorities of the African continent and more broadly, the Global South, more firmly onto the agenda of the G20,” Ramaphosa said.
He highlighted the need for more African representation in the G20, naming Nigeria as a key candidate, and underscored Africa’s potential as a future economic and population growth hub.
According to Ramaphosa, South Africa’s presidency will prioritise strengthening disaster resilience in the face of climate change; mobilising green energy financing; addressing unsustainable debt levels in low-income countries; and championing the use of critical minerals as a growth engine for Africa.
Special task forces will also tackle inequality, food security, and sustainable development, ensuring that the presidency resonates with Africa’s needs.
As South Africa prepares to hand over the presidency to the United States under Donald Trump in 2025, Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the G20’s ability to maintain its global mission despite political transitions.
