South Africa Concludes First African G20 Summit Amid Boycotts, Minerals Pact

The Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, served as the venue for the inaugural G20 Leaders' Summit on the African continent, convening from Saturday, November 22, 2025, through Sunday, November 23, 2025. Operating under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," the two-day meeting brought together global leaders to discuss critical aspects of the world economic architecture, including multilateralism, equitable growth strategies, comprehensive debt relief for developing nations, and the structure for an equitable energy transition. This summit carried significant weight for the African Union (AU), which secured permanent membership in the G20 in 2023, thereby increasing the continent's influence in a forum whose members collectively represent 85% of global economic output.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the proceedings, emphasizing the gathering's role in affirming the continuing importance of multilateralism for addressing current global challenges. A notable procedural adjustment involved the adoption of the Leaders' Declaration on the opening day, Saturday, November 22, 2025, rather than at the conclusion, a decision reached after intensive bilateral negotiations and the finalization of the draft statement on Friday, November 21, 2025. The declaration endorsed principles such as the avoidance of force and the pursuit of peaceful conflict resolution, while also highlighting the seriousness of climate change and the debt burdens impacting lower-income nations. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, described the declaration as a significant development for Africa and the Global South, pointing to the symbolic importance of hosting the event in Soweto.

The summit proceeded despite notable high-level absences. US President Donald Trump did not attend, citing unsubstantiated claims regarding the persecution of white farmers in South Africa; the US government had previously expressed reservations about issuing a traditional joint final declaration due to disagreements with South Africa's priorities. Additionally, Chinese leader Xi Jinping was represented by Premier Li Qiang, and Argentinian President Javier Milei sent his Foreign Minister as a substitute. Despite these withdrawals, President Ramaphosa characterized the consensus on the declaration as evidence that multilateralism remains capable of delivering results. The United States is scheduled to assume the G20 presidency on December 1, 2025, ahead of hosting the 21st G20 Summit in December 2026.

Beyond the diplomatic discussions, tangible economic outcomes materialized, most prominently the formalization of a significant agreement between the European Union (EU) and South Africa concerning critical minerals. This partnership encompasses exploration, extraction, refining, and recycling, designed to advance South Africa up the value chain by mandating domestic processing of minerals rather than simple extraction. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that securing these inputs is crucial for the EU's clean-energy transition and for diversifying supply chains away from China. This bilateral arrangement aligns with the EU's broader Global Gateway investment package, announced earlier in the year, which is earmarked to support South Africa's green transition.

South Africa's G20 Presidency, which concludes on December 1, 2025, organized approximately 130 meetings and focused on priorities including debt sustainability and mobilizing finance for a just energy transition. Other key leaders present included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who announced the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership on the sidelines with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth was one of the four main priorities set by South Africa's presidency. The successful management of high-level boycotts and the securing of the minerals deal confirm the G20's ongoing, though tested, function in shaping global economic governance.