South Africa has successfully concluded its historic G20 Presidency, marking the first time the summit was held on African soil. President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing the focus on Africa's growth and development within the G20 agenda.
G20 Summit in Johannesburg: A Resounding Success
The G20 Leaders’ Summit, held in Johannesburg, brought together leaders from across the globe. South Africa leveraged its presidency to champion issues crucial for its own growth and job creation, emphasizing the need for global stability, inclusive growth, and a level playing field.
Leading up to the summit, South Africa hosted numerous meetings across the country, showcasing its natural beauty, hospitality, and economic sophistication to international delegates. This provided an opportunity to boost tourism and investment across various regions.
Key Achievements of South Africa's G20 Presidency
- Securing a global commitment to address high debt levels in developing economies, freeing up resources for infrastructure, health, and education.
- Prioritizing issues that promote rapid and inclusive growth for South Africa.
- Fostering collaboration and goodwill among nations, emphasizing shared goals over differences.
Handover to the United States
South Africa officially handed over the G20 Presidency to the United States at a ceremony in Pretoria. The US will assume the presidency on December 1, 2025. Notably, the US boycotted the Johannesburg summit, and the Leaders' Declaration was adopted in their absence. The Presidency has also issued warnings to the US against excluding South Africa from the 2026 G20 summit.
Despite the US absence, South Africa's G20 Presidency has been widely lauded as a success, paving the way for increased investment and sustainable development across the African continent.