Can South Africa’s G20 presidency deliver for Africa?

All eyes are on Johannesburg as South Africa hosts the first G20 summit on African soil, presenting a pivotal moment for the continent. With the African Union now a permanent member, there is strong hope that this forum can finally advance key African priorities.

South Africa, holding the presidency, is championing an ambitious agenda that includes debt relief, climate finance, disaster resilience, and leveraging Africa’s critical minerals to drive industrialization and job creation. However, the path forward is challenging due to a significant diplomatic hurdle: a hostile United States administration.

This tension casts a shadow over consensus-building, particularly on climate finance and inclusive growth. Despite this, South Africa aims to rally support from other Global South nations to push for a fairer financial system that works for every country, including the poorest.