South Africa has made history by becoming the first African nation to assume leadership of the G20, a global coalition of major economies. The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially passed the presidency to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his acceptance speech, Ramaphosa pledged to prioritize Africa’s development needs and amplify the voices of the Global South during his tenure.
“We are committed to placing Africa’s development agenda and the Global South at the forefront of the G20 discussions,” Ramaphosa said.
He outlined three key priorities for South Africa’s presidency: promoting inclusive economic growth, addressing food security challenges, and leveraging artificial intelligence and innovation to support sustainable development. Ramaphosa emphasized his goal of fostering global economic progress while ensuring no one is left behind.
As the only African member of the G20, South Africa’s leadership highlights the continent’s growing role in international affairs. In a significant milestone, the African Union was granted membership in the G20 in 2023, further integrating Africa into global decision-making processes.
The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, with Spain holding a permanent guest status. Member nations include economic giants such as the United States, China, Germany, and India.
Under Ramaphosa’s leadership, South Africa aims to tackle pressing global issues, including industrialization, job creation, and reducing inequality, while advocating for sustainable and inclusive growth. “We are determined to ensure that our work drives meaningful progress for all,” Ramaphosa stated.
