South Africa Hosts Pivotal G20 Foreign Ministers Summit

Pan-African Leadership Takes Centre Stage as the World’s Economic Powers Gather in Johannesburg

Foreign ministers from the world’s largest economies have convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking the first time the G20 foreign ministers’ summit is being hosted on African soil. However, the meeting unfolds against a backdrop of geopolitical fractures, particularly tensions over Ukraine, climate change policies, and a notable absence from the United States’ top diplomat.

South Africa, holding the G20 presidency for the first time, has positioned its leadership as an opportunity to amplify the voice of the Global South in global economic and political decision-making. However, the event has been overshadowed by diplomatic rifts, particularly between Washington and Pretoria, over issues ranging from land reform to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

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Ramaphosa’s Call for Multilateralism and Global Unity

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his opening address, underscored the importance of multilateralism and international law in addressing the world’s crises. Warning of the deepening divisions among major powers, he urged for a return to diplomatic engagement.

“It is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international law remain at the centre of all our endeavours. It should be the glue that keeps us together,” Ramaphosa declared.

He emphasised that conflicts in Ukraine, the Sahel, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gaza continue to exacerbate global insecurity, warning that the lack of consensus within the G20 is further threatening an already fragile global coexistence.

US Boycott: A Diplomatic Snub or Strategic Withdrawal?

The United States’ absence loomed large over the summit, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio refusing to attend. His boycott follows President Donald Trump’s decision to cut aid to South Africa, citing disputes over land restitution policies and Pretoria’s ICJ case against Israel.

Rubio dismissed the summit’s agenda—focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), climate action, and sustainable development—as “very bad”, claiming it promoted an anti-American agenda. Instead, the US delegation was represented by a lower-ranking diplomat from its embassy in South Africa.

Trump’s administration has increasingly distanced itself from multilateral institutions, shifting towards a more isolationist foreign policy, especially after his controversial support for a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine. His accusations that Kyiv provoked the war have further deepened tensions between the US and its European allies.

Africa’s Moment: A Seat at the Global Table

Despite the geopolitical turbulence, South Africa’s presidency of the G20 marks a turning point for Africa. It underscores the continent’s growing influence in global economic and political affairs. Ramaphosa stressed that Africa’s interests must be prioritised in global decision-making:

“We have often been a continent relegated to the back. The G20 gives us as Africans the moment to put our issues on the global agenda.”

South Africa’s priorities include:
Debt sustainability for developing nations
Climate resilience funding for African nations
A just energy transition, ensuring that wealthier nations—responsible for most emissions—support low-carbon industrialisation in Africa

G20’s Deepening Divisions Over Ukraine and Climate Change

As expected, Ukraine’s war took centre stage, with European leaders reaffirming support for Kyiv and condemning Russia’s military aggression. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, however, used the platform to justify Moscow’s actions, arguing that the West had provoked the crisis.

China, meanwhile, sought to assert greater influence, taking advantage of the US retreat from multilateral engagement. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for greater cooperation among Global South nations, stating that Beijing was committed to addressing economic inequality and supporting Africa’s development.

“The G20 was founded to coordinate global economic policies. Now, more than ever, we must address the needs of developing countries,” said Wang Yi.

Climate change remains a contentious issue, with developing nations urging wealthier economies to meet their financial commitments to help Africa transition towards greener energy. However, Trump’s rollback of US climate commitments has raised concerns that global climate efforts could stall.

Trump’s ‘America First’ Policy Widens US-Europe Rift

The summit has further exposed fractures between the US and Europe, with Trump’s policy reversals on Ukraine and climate change causing uncertainty among Washington’s traditional allies.

Trump’s claims that Ukraine was responsible for Russia’s invasion—along with his unilateral approach to diplomacy—have left European leaders scrambling to reaffirm their stance on international cooperation. EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas warned against allowing Trump’s unpredictability to dictate the global agenda:

“In these turbulent times, we must remain united. We are the reliable and predictable partner that the world needs.”

While the US remains a dominant player, its retreat from multilateralism has created an opportunity for emerging powers, particularly China, to step into the vacuum.

Africa’s Future in the G20: A Test of South Africa’s Leadership

With South Africa holding the G20 presidency until November 2025, it has a unique opportunity to drive an African-centred development agenda. However, Pretoria must navigate growing tensions with Washington while ensuring that Africa’s voice remains strong.

Despite the US diplomatic snub, South Africa’s role in the G20 underscores a shifting global power dynamic, where Africa is no longer a passive player but an active participant in shaping international policy.

As the first African nation to lead the G20, South Africa’s presidency could mark the beginning of a more inclusive and multipolar world order—one where Africa is not merely a spectator but a key decision-maker.