South Africa’s newly assumed G20 Presidency will prioritize the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning the continent’s transformative blueprint at the centre of global discussions.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola highlighted this ambition during the opening of the G20 Sherpa meetings in Sandton South Africa, marking the first round of high-level talks since South Africa assumed leadership of the bloc in Q4 2024.
Agenda 2063, often described as Africa’s “blueprint and master plan,” envisions transforming the continent into a global economic powerhouse over the next 40 years. At its core are goals aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development, addressing poverty, strengthening governance, and leveraging Africa’s resources for the benefit of its people.
For Minister Lamola, the G20 provides an opportunity to bring these objectives to the global stage while aligning multilateral priorities with African needs.
“We all know that many countries, especially those in the developing world, are still recovering from the economic shock of COVID-19. Poverty and weak economic growth remain a challenge for many countries, especially in Africa and the developing world”, says Minister Lamola.
The impact of the pandemic remains a persistent obstacle to Africa’s growth, exacerbating pre-existing issues such as food insecurity, rising debt burdens, and limited infrastructure development.
As the sole African member of the G20, South Africa’s role is critical in ensuring the continent’s interests are not sidelined. To this end, Minister Lamola underscored the urgency for “practical, mutually beneficial cooperation” that champions a global order that is “fairer, just, inclusive, and representative.”
South Africa’s priorities include addressing climate change, advocating for debt relief measures, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Minister Lamola also emphasised the importance of revising and adapting Africa’s development agenda in response to structural shifts in the global economy.
The G20, consisting of the world’s largest economies, has faced growing scrutiny over its ability to address the widening gap between developed and developing nations.
Minister’s Lamola’s remarks come at a pivotal moment when the multilateral system remains strained by divisive geopolitics and economic disparities.
Despite these challenges, some reports claim that South Africa views its presidency as an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice. Issues such as equitable access to technology, sustainable energy transitions, and regional integration will form part of the broader dialogue.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 sets ambitious targets, including the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services across 55 nations.
If successfully implemented, the AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade by over 50% and significantly boost economic resilience.
South Africa’s leadership in the G20 will also draw attention to the continent’s burgeoning youth population. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the demographic dividend represents both a challenge and a unique opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development.
Minister Lamola called for deeper collaboration among G20 nations, particularly in supporting African-led solutions.
“While international cooperation and multilateralism are currently confronted with divisive geopolitics and unprecedented challenges such as climate change and deepening poverty, the G20 must forge partnerships that prioritize inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” says Minister Lamola.
For South Africa, the road to Agenda 2063 begins with ensuring that Africa’s challenges remain high on the G20 agenda. The coming months of its presidency will test its ability to balance continental priorities with global pressures, but Minister Lamola’s message is clear: Africa’s transformation must be a shared global responsibility.
