The recently concluded G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg has received widespread acclaim from South African officials and policy experts for its unprecedented focus on African priorities and reinforcement of multilateral cooperation. Supra Mahumapelo, Chairperson of the South African Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on International Relations, emphasized that the presidency successfully positioned African concerns at the forefront of the global agenda, creating what he described as “a strategic diplomatic focus on Africa that will never disappear in future global history.
The summit, which concluded with South Africa formally passing the presidency to the United States, produced a landmark declaration that extensively addresses continental issues. The comprehensive document includes commitments on Africa’s debt sustainability, support for the African Union, development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and policies on artificial intelligence and strategic mineral beneficiation.
According to Sizo Nkala, Senior Researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Africa-China Studies, the declaration represents “the most Africa-focused G20 Declaration we have seen since its inception in 1990.” He noted that Africa was referenced 52 times throughout the document, reflecting South Africa’s Pan-Africanist approach and the continent’s growing influence in global forums following the African Union’s permanent membership.
The declaration captures critical issues affecting both Africa and the Global South, including climate finance, food security, and reform of international financial institutions. Despite Africa’s abundance of critical minerals, Nkala highlighted that these resources have not been sufficiently leveraged to benefit African citizens, while many nations continue to face acute food insecurity and substantial debt-servicing burdens.
The diplomatic process itself drew praise for building consensus among diverse global actors, with the declaration receiving overwhelming approval on the first day of proceedings. Aleta Miller, UN Women South Africa Country Representative, noted that while disagreements emerged during negotiations, member states successfully found common ground, demonstrating the continued strength of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.