South Africa has confirmed its support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday during the official launch of South Africa’s presidency of the global economic forum in Cape Town. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time an African country has assumed the G20 presidency on a rotating annual basis, underscoring the growing influence of African nations in global affairs.
During the event, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of amplifying Africa’s voice within the influential group of nations. “As the only African member of the G20, South Africa is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to join the group, just as we previously supported the African Union in securing its permanent seat at the table,” he said. His remarks reflect South Africa’s ongoing role in advocating for greater African representation on the world stage.
Nigeria made its intentions to join the G20 known on Monday, with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu formally requesting South Africa’s backing during the 11th bi-national commission meeting held between the two countries in Cape Town.
Ramaphosa, who officially took on the G20 presidency on Sunday, outlined the significant challenges facing the world today, including the escalating climate crisis, political instability, and economic disparities. He stressed that these global issues require coordinated efforts, particularly as technological advances present both opportunities and risks that could reshape the global landscape.
South Africa intends to use its G20 presidency to address a range of pressing priorities, such as strengthening disaster resilience and ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries. Additionally, Ramaphosa highlighted the urgency of mobilizing resources for a just energy transition and called on international financial institutions, development banks, and the private sector to play a more active role in supporting post-disaster recovery efforts, especially in the world’s most vulnerable regions.