South Africa has officially assumed the G20 Presidency, launching its term under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” At a press conference held in Cape Town on December 03, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the priorities of this historic presidency, which is the first time an African nation will lead the G20.
Ramaphosa emphasised the need for solidarity to address global challenges, highlighting their impact on all nations. He called for dismantling economic and social inequalities, which he described as unjust and unsustainable, and advocated for fair treatment and equal opportunities. He also stressed the importance of sustainability, noting that South Africa’s presidency would strengthen global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Highlighting South Africa’s commitment of the Global South, he noted that the presidency offers a unique opportunity to promote the development priorities of Africa and Global South nations on the G20 agenda.
“South Africa’s presidency of the G20 will be the first time for an African country to preside over this most important body of the G20” said Ramaphosa “We will use this moment to bring development priorities of the African continent and more broadly the Global South more firmly on the agenda of the G20.”
The G20 is an intergovernmental economic forum comprising 19 countries and two regional blocs: the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). It represents 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the global population.
South Africa assumed the presidency from Brazil during the G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro from November 18–19th.
During the launch, Ramaphosa announced that South Africa will not create new working groups within the G20, but will build on the initiatives of previous presidencies, including those of Brazil, India, and Indonesia.
South Africa will convene a G20 Social Forum, following the approach of the Brazilian presidency, which will bring together representatives of the existing engagement groups and other segments of civil society.
The country will also support the creation of the Township20 (TS20) engagement group which will highlight the creative, cultural, financial and innovative capacities of township economies.
The G20 presidency will feature more than 130 meetings across the country, including the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 2025.
The key priority actions will focus on disaster resilience in addressing climate change, debt sustainability for low-income and developing economies, mobilizing finance for the Just Energy Transition (JET), and harnessing critical minerals to promote inclusive growth and the development of the African continent.
To support these objectives, South Africa will establish three task forces to address critical global challenges.
“The first task force is on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment and reduced inequality. The second task force is on food security. The third task force is on artificial intelligence, data governance and innovation for sustainable development.” said Ramaphosa.
The G20 program will be led by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Finance Ministry, and the Presidency. Zane Dangor, the Director-General of DIRCO, will serve as the Sherpa.
