President Ramaphosa assumes G20 leadership, succeeding Brazil’s Lula

Being the first African nation to serve as the head of this important alliance of the biggest economies in the world, South Africa has made history by assuming the G20 leadership.
During the G20 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday, the formal handover of leadership took place.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was formally sworn in as president by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and he pledged to prioritize Africa’s development needs and the Global South’s interests during his tenure.

“We will take advantage of this chance to raise the Global South’s and Africa’s development priorities in the G20 agenda,” Ramaphosa said.

He outlined three main goals for South Africa’s presidency: addressing issues of food security, promoting inclusive economic growth, and using innovation and artificial intelligence to advance sustainable development.

Ramaphosa stated that he intends to work toward greater global economic expansion while making sure that no one is left behind.

According to reports, South Africa is now the only African member of the G20, which is a group of the biggest economies in the world.

The African Union was admitted as a member of the forum in 2023, indicating a growing recognition of Africa’s role in global policymaking.

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Spain is a permanent visitor of the G20, which is made up of 19 nations plus the European Union. Prominent economies like the US, China, Germany, and India are among the member countries.

In addition to promoting industry, employment, and inequality reduction, South Africa, the first African nation to lead the G20, hopes to stimulate debate on important international issues.

“As South Africa, we commit to advancing the G20’s efforts to achieve sustainable development and higher global economic growth. We’ll do our best to make sure nobody gets left behind,” Ramaphosa said.