Davos – President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined South Africa’s objectives and priorities for its G20 Presidency at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Addressing global leaders on Tuesday, Ramaphosa emphasised the significance of the first-ever G20 Summit to be hosted on African soil, set to take place in Johannesburg in November 2025.
He paid tribute to the outgoing Brazilian G20 Presidency and highlighted the pivotal role the G20 plays in fostering international economic cooperation.
“The G20 is a vital platform for shaping global governance and addressing major international economic issues,” he said.
The upcoming summit follows the African Union’s recent admission to the G20, marking a historic moment for the continent.
Solidarity, equality, and sustainable development
Ramaphosa revealed that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will centre on three themes: solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.
“These themes resonate with the principles of multilateral cooperation and inclusivity,” he said, calling for collective action to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again outlined South Africa’s ambitions as part of its G20 presidency. He says the country will focus on three themes: Solidarity, equality and sustainable development. Ramaphosa was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos. #DStv403… pic.twitter.com/XgpWV65s5X
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 22, 2025
The president stressed the importance of reducing inequality, both within and between nations.
“The pursuit of the UN Sustainable Development Goal on reducing inequality is not just a social imperative but also an economic one,” he said.
He called for deliberate efforts to promote inclusive growth, responsive trade, and investment to benefit women, youth, and the poorest in society.
Key priorities for the G20 Presidency
South Africa’s G20 Presidency will focus on:
- Debt sustainability: Highlighting the burden of rising debt in low-income countries, Ramaphosa called for reforms in global financial institutions and the redirection of unused Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to support development in the Global South.
- Climate action and just energy transition: The President announced plans to mobilise finance for sustainable energy transitions and climate adaptation.
- “Industrialised countries must support the climate actions of poorer nations,” he said, advocating for increased quality and quantity of climate finance.
- Disaster resilience: With climate-induced disasters on the rise, South Africa aims to strengthen disaster recovery mechanisms and promote post-disaster reconstruction through innovative financing solutions.
- Critical minerals and green industrialisation: Ramaphosa highlighted the need for beneficiation and local value addition of critical minerals to drive inclusive growth in Africa. He called for the development of low-carbon manufacturing value chains and investments in green industrialisation.
Africa’s role in global growth
Ramaphosa emphasised Africa’s potential as a “frontier of global growth and productivity”. With its young population, vast natural resources, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the continent is poised for economic transformation.
“We seek G20 support for the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund to enhance regional integration and sustainable development,” he said.
The president also highlighted the need for investments in African infrastructure, youth skills development, and women’s economic empowerment. In the health sector, he called for G20 support to bolster Africa’s pharmaceutical production capacity to combat future pandemics.
A call for global cooperation
In his closing remarks, Ramaphosa invoked the legacy of Nelson Mandela, urging global leaders to embrace cooperation and solidarity.
“Our interdependence demands a global offensive for development, prosperity, and human survival,” he quoted Mandela.
As South Africa prepares to host over 130 G20-related meetings, Ramaphosa extended a warm invitation to global leaders to experience the country’s beauty and hospitality.
“Let the G20 in Johannesburg be a forum where cooperation among the world’s leading economies reaches new heights,” he said.
The Johannesburg summit is expected to spotlight Africa’s promise and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable global economic order.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
