Pretoria – South Africa has officially handed over the G20 Presidency to the United States, marking the end of a historic term for the nation. The handover ceremony took place at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) offices in Pretoria. The United States will formally assume the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2025.
A Historic Presidency for South Africa
South Africa's G20 Presidency was a landmark event, being the first time the summit was hosted on African soil. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of placing Africa's growth and development at the core of the G20's agenda. In a statement, President Ramaphosa thanked the people of South Africa for their support in making the presidency a success.
"The G20 matters for South Africa not only to cement our important role in international affairs, but also to support our own growth and create jobs for South Africans," stated President Ramaphosa. He highlighted the need for global stability, inclusive growth, and a level playing field to achieve these objectives.
Key Achievements and Challenges
During its presidency, South Africa hosted numerous meetings across the country, welcoming delegates from around the world. The nation prioritized issues critical for advancing rapid and inclusive growth, securing commitments from the international community to address high levels of debt that hinder investment in infrastructure, health, and education in developing economies.
However, the G20 Summit was not without its challenges. The United States, under the Trump Administration, boycotted the summit, leading to the adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration without their participation. This absence underscores the ongoing complexities in international relations and the need for continued dialogue and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As South Africa hands over the G20 Presidency, the nation looks forward to continued engagement within the G20 framework. The focus remains on promoting solidarity, equality, and sustainability on the global stage. South Africa's contributions during its presidency have laid a strong foundation for future progress and collaboration within the G20.
The Presidency has issued a warning to the US against excluding SA from the 2026 G20, highlighting the importance of inclusive participation for effective global governance.