South Africa will assume the G20 presidency on Sunday, becoming the first African nation to lead the influential forum. This milestone comes a year after the African Union was admitted as a permanent G20 member, underscoring Africa’s growing presence on the global stage.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined key priorities for his presidency, including inclusive economic growth, food security, climate change, and artificial intelligence. These focus areas align with the continent’s pressing development needs, and further details are expected next week.
South Africa follows Indonesia, India, and Brazil as the fourth consecutive emerging market to hold the G20 presidency, with Ramaphosa pledging to build on their achievements. The presidency’s significance extends beyond Africa, with experts viewing it as a chance to consolidate the Global South’s agenda ahead of the United States taking over in December 2025.
The impending U.S. presidency, under Donald Trump, has sparked concerns. Trump’s administration has signaled intentions to impose restrictive trade tariffs and roll back climate policies, potentially clashing with the priorities of the Global South. “South Africa must ensure it leaves a strong legacy that resists dilution of the Global South’s agenda,” noted David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg.
Navigating a Divided Global Landscape
The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and now the African Union, represents 85% of the global economy, 75% of world trade, and 67% of the global population. However, its mission to foster economic cooperation is challenged by escalating geopolitical tensions. Trade wars, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and disagreements among major players like the United States, China, and Russia have intensified global polarisation, posing significant hurdles to South Africa’s ambitious agenda.
As South Africa takes on this historic leadership role, the world will watch closely to see how it navigates these challenges and advances the interests of Africa and the Global South in an increasingly divided world.
