South Africa has officially taken over the presidency of the G20, marking a historic moment as the only African country in the group assumes leadership. During a handover ceremony at the Rio de Janeiro summit on Tuesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva passed the baton to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In his address, Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s commitment to bringing Africa’s developmental priorities to the forefront of the G20 agenda. “We will use this moment to bring the development priorities of the African continent and the Global South more firmly onto the agenda of the G20,” he stated.
Ramaphosa outlined key priorities for his tenure, which include fostering inclusive economic growth, addressing inequality, and promoting industrialization and employment. “The second priority is food security,” he added. “The third priority is artificial intelligence and innovation for sustainable development.”
The South African president expressed his ambition to use the G20 platform to ensure global economic growth benefits all. “As South Africa, we undertake to advance the work of the G20 towards achieving greater global economic growth and sustainable development. We will work to ensure that no one is left behind,” he emphasized.
The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, with the African Union joining in 2023 as a permanent member. Member nations include major economies such as the United States, China, India, and the United Kingdom.
South Africa will host the 2025 G20 summit, with Ramaphosa extending a warm invitation to global leaders. “We look forward to welcoming you all to South Africa next year,” he concluded.
About the G20
The G20, established as a forum for the world’s largest economies, has evolved into a platform addressing critical global issues beyond economics, including food security and climate change. The African Union’s inclusion has further amplified the bloc’s diversity and focus on inclusive growth.
