Johannesburg made history on Saturday as the G20 Leaders Summit opened with the adoption of the Johannesburg Declaration, the first G20 meeting ever held on African soil. The declaration, adopted by consensus, sets out the collective commitments of the G20 on global economic stability, sustainable development, climate action, debt sustainability and inclusive growth. Its adoption signals recognition of Africa’s priorities and elevates the continent’s voice on the global stage.
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed leaders, ministers, international organisation heads and representatives from regional blocs, highlighting the symbolic significance of the summit’s location at the Cradle of Humankind. “The adoption of the declaration sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver. It sends a message of hope and solidarity and reaffirms our pledge to leave no person, no community and no country behind,” he said.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency has been guided by the theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability. President Ramaphosa said that solidarity was vital to ensure that those at greatest risk of being left behind are supported. “By promoting equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations. Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” he added.
The Johannesburg Declaration reflects the priorities Africa brought to the table, including strengthening disaster resilience, supporting debt sustainability in low-income countries, mobilising finance for a just energy transition and promoting investment in critical minerals and local beneficiation. Inclusive economic growth, food security, industrialisation and responsible development of artificial intelligence are also highlighted as key areas for global collaboration.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that Africa’s inclusion in G20 discussions is essential not only for the continent’s growth but also for global stability. He said challenges such as inequality, unemployment, poverty, food and energy insecurity, pandemics and conflict cannot be addressed without active engagement of African countries and the Global South.
The summit also highlighted several important G20 initiatives during South Africa’s presidency. The Sevilla Commitment, adopted earlier this year, provides a renewed global framework for financing development. The G20@20 Review offered an assessment of achievements and challenges while recommending stronger focus on core mandates. The G20 Africa Expert Panel, led by former finance minister Trevor Manuel, called for new global partnerships to unlock long-term and affordable finance for Africa.
The Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality, chaired by economist Joseph Stiglitz, recommended measures to reduce global inequality.
Dignitaries in attendance underscored the global significance of the summit. Heads of state and government from G20 member countries and invited guests were present, along with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, ministers, heads of international organisations and members of the diplomatic corps. Their presence reflected both the credibility of the Johannesburg Declaration and Africa’s elevated role in shaping global policy.
President Ramaphosa said the declaration represents a renewed commitment to multilateralism and partnership. “This G20 Leaders’ Summit has a responsibility not to allow the integrity and the credibility of the G20 to be weakened. The adoption of the declaration demonstrates that cooperation and multilateralism remain relevant and capable of delivering meaningful outcomes,” he said.
As the summit continues, African nations are expected to continue highlighting regional priorities, from investment and industrialisation to climate resilience and inclusive economic growth. The adoption of the Johannesburg Declaration not only sets the agenda for global cooperation over the next year but also signals Africa’s growing influence in shaping international development and economic governance.
