South Africa has successfully hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, marking the first time the summit has been held on African soil. The summit, which concluded on Monday, November 24, 2025, saw leaders from across the globe adopting a declaration despite reported opposition from the United States.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude to the people of South Africa for enabling a historic G20 Presidency. He emphasized the importance of the G20 for South Africa in solidifying its role in international affairs and boosting domestic growth and job creation. Achieving these goals, he noted, requires global stability, inclusive growth, and a fair playing field.
The G20 Presidency focused on issues critical to Africa's growth and development. South Africa successfully placed these issues at the forefront of the G20 agenda. Prior to the summit, South Africa hosted numerous meetings across the country, showcasing its natural beauty, hospitality, and economic sophistication to thousands of delegates.
“Our G20 Presidency has been rooted in the conviction that the world needs more solidarity, equality and sustainability,” stated President Ramaphosa. This commitment was reflected in the summit's focus on fostering collaboration and goodwill, emphasizing shared goals over differences. A key achievement was securing international commitment to address high debt levels in developing economies, including South Africa, which hinder investment in crucial areas like infrastructure, health, and education.
However, the summit was not without its challenges. Reports indicate clashes between anti-immigrant groups and police near the summit venue, highlighting underlying tensions within the country. Despite these challenges, the successful adoption of the declaration signifies a significant step forward in addressing global issues and solidifying South Africa's role as a key player on the international stage.
Key Outcomes of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg:
- Adoption of a declaration despite US opposition.
- Focus on Africa's growth and development.
- Commitment to addressing debt levels in developing economies.
- Showcasing South Africa's economic sophistication and natural beauty.
The Road Ahead
The success of South Africa's G20 presidency sets the stage for continued efforts to promote inclusive growth, sustainability, and global cooperation. The agreements reached at the summit hold the potential to benefit South Africa and other developing nations by unlocking resources for critical investments and fostering a more equitable global economic landscape.