With just days before the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa has outlined key achievements during its presidency, emphasizing progress in technology, energy, finance and trade that reflects the continent’s growing influence in global economic discussions.

Minister Ronald Lamola, supported by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the Minister of Finance, highlighted initiatives such as the AI Initiative for Africa, launched in partnership with the African Union and UNESCO, to harness artificial intelligence for development across the continent.

Efforts to curb illicit financial flows also saw progress, with G20 members adopting High-Level Principles aimed at reducing capital flight from developing economies.

In the energy sector, South Africa helped establish the Africa Energy Efficiency Facility and introduced the G20 Clean Cooking Legacy Programme, targeting affordable and sustainable energy access.

Food security featured prominently through the Ubuntu Approaches on Food Security and Nutrition, developed to stabilize food prices and strengthen resilience.

On trade and investment, the country advanced the G20 Africa Cooperation Agenda and set up the Technology Policy Assistance Facility to support innovation-driven growth.

Following the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 in 2023, Lamola emphasized South Africa’s coordination with the AU to secure Africa’s priorities on the G20 agenda.

A High-Level Dialogue on debt, the cost of capital and reforming the international financial architecture was recently held in Addis Ababa, reinforcing this commitment.

Lamola confirmed that preparations for the summit are on track, with 42 countries set to participate.

This includes 20 G20 members, 16 guest nations and six countries representing regional blocs from Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia.

South Africa’s G20 presidency has been shaped by a focus on sustainable development, economic inclusion and stronger representation for the Global South.