In a landmark moment, South Africa has taken the reins of the G20, becoming the first African country to lead the influential bloc of the world’s largest economies.
The handover ceremony, held during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marked a significant shift in global economic leadership.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who accepted the presidency from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, pledged to prioritize Africa’s development and the Global South’s interests. “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,” Ramaphosa emphasized.
Ramaphosa outlined three core objectives for South Africa’s presidency:
– *Inclusive Economic Growth*: Promoting economic expansion that benefits all nations and communities.
– *Food Security*: Addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity and ensuring equitable access to nutrition.
– *Leveraging AI and Innovation*: Harnessing technology to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Ramaphosa reassured that South Africa will work tirelessly to ensure no nation is left behind in the pursuit of global economic growth and sustainable development. “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 concluded.
As the sole African member in the G20, South Africa’s leadership marks a significant milestone in the continent’s growing influence on international policy. The African Union’s membership in the forum, granted in 2023, further solidifies Africa’s role in shaping global economic decisions.
