G20 Summit Opens In S.A, Marking Historic First For Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa opens the G20 Summit in South Africa. (G20 South Africa)
Mathipa Phishego
(Inside Out News) The G20 Summit officially opened to run from November 22 to 23 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Marking the first time Africa has hosted the gathering of the world’s most influential economies. The landmark moment is being hailed as a significant step in strengthening Africa’s voice on global economic governance, climate financing, and geopolitical stability.
South Africa, serving as this year’s host has placed inclusive global growth and equitable development at the heart of the agenda. President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed leaders from the G20 member states, the African Union, and invited partners, emphasizing that Africa must be a full participant, not a spectator in shaping global economic outcomes.
The historic hosting comes just a year after the African Union secured permanent membership in the G20, a milestone celebrated during the opening ceremony.
Focus on Economic Cooperation
Economic recovery, fairer global trade structures, and reforms to multilateral financial institutions dominated early discussions. With many developing nations still grappling with debt distress and uneven post-pandemic growth. African leaders pushed for stronger commitments to concessional financing and support for industrialisation.
The summit is expected to advance conversations around modernizing global financial systems, expanding digital trade, and improving supply-chain resilience. Climate financing emerged as a critical talking point. With African nations urging G20 members responsible for the bulk of global emissions to honor pledges on loss and damage, renewable energy investment, and technology transfer.
South Africa reiterated its Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, highlighting the need for predictable and equitable funding to accelerate the shift from coal to clean energy without jeopardizing livelihoods.
Geopolitical Tensions Underscore Talks
Behind the scenes, global tensions including conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Red Sea cast a shadow over the summit’s proceedings. Diplomatic observers noted that the Johannesburg meetings could offer opportunities for side discussions aimed at easing tensions among major powers.
Despite these complexities, the mood at the Summit’s opening remained optimistic, with several leaders calling for unity in addressing global challenges.
Summit in South Africa is widely seen as a defining moment for Africa’s place on the global stage. With pressing issues such as energy security, food systems transformation, and digital innovation on the agenda. The outcomes of this G20 meeting could shape global development pathways for years to come.
