Background and Context
South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, marking the first time an African country has held this position. The theme for its presidency is “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
The presidency provides South Africa with an opportunity to elevate Africa’s development agenda and strengthen the voice of the Global South within global governance structures. The priorities align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, and equality.
Overarching Priorities
The South African G20 Presidency identified four main priorities:
- Strengthening disaster resilience and response.
- Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries.
- Mobilising finance for a just energy transition.
- Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
In addition, digital public infrastructure (DPI) and artificial intelligence (AI) have been identified as key enablers under the digital economy agenda. The table opposite illustrates events that have taken place under the identified main priorities.
Key Milestones in 2025
February 2025 – G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Held in Johannesburg, this meeting set the diplomatic tone for the presidency and reaffirmed South Africa’s four priorities
Source: https://g20.org/g20-media/president-ramaphosa-to-officiate-first-meeting-of-g20-foreign-ministers-under-south-african-presidency/
April 2025 – Focus on Digital Public Infrastructure and AI: The presidency prioritised the digital economy, with emphasis on DPI and AI to support inclusive development across Africa.
Source: https://dpi.africa.com/digital-public-infrastructure-thrives-in-south-africa-kenya-and-nigeria/
May 2025 – Mid-Term Progress Report: Minister Ronald Lamola announced that 51 meetings had been convened across Sherpa and Finance tracks, demonstrating strong engagement.
Source: https://dirco.gov.za/media-statement-by-minister-ronald-lamola-focussing-on-south-africas-g20-presidency-12-may-2025/
August 2025 – Launch of Taskforce on Global Wealth Inequality: Chaired by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, this initiative aims to examine global inequality and propose reform measures.
Source: https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-08-29-south-africas-g20-presidency-launches-committee-to-tackle-global-wealth-inequality/
October 2025 – Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting: Under South Africa’s leadership, the G20 adopted a Debt Declaration focusing on sustainable debt management and credit rating transparency.
Source: https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/finance-ministers-agree-on-g20-africa-engagement-framework/
November 2025 – G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg: The first G20 Summit to be hosted on African soil, this event will consolidate the presidency’s achievements and outline future commitments.
Source: https://g20.org/news/johannesburg-to-host-the-g20-summit-in-2025-a-new-era-for-south-africa/
Achievements and Challenges
Achievements include integrating Africa’s priorities into the G20 agenda, advancing debt sustainability discussions, and linking global economic issues to development goals. The presidency also introduced innovative topics such as critical minerals and digital infrastructure.
However, challenges remain in achieving tangible debt relief outcomes and ensuring that declarations translate into measurable actions. Civil society organisations have expressed concern about the limited pace of reform despite positive diplomatic engagement.
Significance of the South African G20 Presidency
This presidency represents a milestone for Africa and the Global South. It shifts the G20’s focus towards development, equity, and sustainability. By hosting the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa not only symbolises African inclusion in global decision-making but also positions itself as a key advocate for fairer global governance.
