South Africa has assumed the G20 presidency, becoming the first African nation to chair the group, with President Cyril Ramaphosa outlining an agenda prioritizing climate change, debt relief, and economic transformation. Ramaphosa’s focus includes leveraging critical mineral resources from across Africa, such as cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to drive the continent’s growth and development. Beyond that, Africa’s largest economy will also seek to balance competing global interests while mitigating the divisive impact of geopolitical conflicts, such as the Ukraine war. Analysts believe that Ramaphosa’s commitment to consensus-building, demonstrated during the writing of South Africa’s 1996 constitution and the country’s hosting of the 2023 BRICS summit, will be required to successfully lead the G20. However, they also believe his diplomatic acumen will be tested amid growing US-China tensions, rising protectionism, and Africa’s push for equitable policies.
SOURCE: DW
