G20 South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a G20 experts’ task team to advise global leaders on the effects of extreme wealth inequality and how to address it, as part of South Africa’s G20 presidency priorities. With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) having expired on 30 September 2025, the uncertainty over its renewal has raised pressing questions about the future of South Africa’s trade relationship with the United States. As the global energy transition accelerates, critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements have moved to the centre of G20 deliberations.

South Africa’s presidency must rewire the global race for these resources. Experts say gender inclusion is key to a sustainable energy shift in emerging economies. As part of South Africa’s G20 discussions ahead of the leaders’ summit in November, Oxfam South Africa is putting women at the heart of the just transition.

With South Africa at the helm of the G20 and the African Union seated at the table, this year’s G20 processes represent a defining moment for African diplomacy. South Africa needs the weight of the continent for progressive outcomes. At a time of global uncertainty and deepening polarisation, South Africa is offering something rare: the courage to lead without dominating, and the ability to unite without demanding uniformity as G20 president.