With world leaders gathering in Johannesburg for the first-ever G20 summit on African soil, the continent finds itself in an unprecedented global spotlight.
The summit is more than a high-profile diplomatic meeting; it is a chance for Africa to move from the sidelines to shaping the future of global economic and political policy.
Hosting under the banner “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa intends to bring long-neglected issues to the table, from climate finance and debt relief to trade and investment reform. Ramaphosa has emphasised that Africa’s unique challenges must take precedence:
“Debt stress constrains growth, climate impacts hit us disproportionately, and global trade rules must be fairer. These are not abstract concerns, they affect millions of lives across our continent.”
The summit is expected to spotlight stronger multilateral banks, improved climate finance mechanisms, and reforms designed to make the global financial system more inclusive.
Yet the summit is as much about diplomacy and power as it is about policy. The US boycott underlines persistent tensions, highlighting the complex position African countries occupy between competing global powers.
China, by contrast, has been vocal in expressing support for Africa’s leadership ambitions, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating: “We must listen to Africa, take its concerns seriously, and work to leave a distinct African mark on the Johannesburg Summit.”
This sets up a subtle geopolitical chessboard, where African leaders must navigate relations with established powers while advancing the continent’s priorities.
