Before the G20’s rotating presidency passes to the United States, South Africa will seek to secure a Leaders’ Declaration in November promoting the development of the Global South — despite growing tensions between Pretoria and Washington.
The G20 summit, scheduled for November 22–23 in Johannesburg, South Africa, is being viewed as a decisive moment for Africa’s inclusion in major global economic and political debates. It will mark the first time South Africa hosts the gathering of heads of state and government from the world’s leading developed and emerging economies, coinciding with Pretoria’s rotating presidency.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has defined the adoption of an ambitious Leaders’ Declaration as his main goal — one aimed at advancing the Global South’s development agenda, and in particular, Africa’s. Addressing the South African Parliament, Ramaphosa said the initiative should reflect the urgency of reforming the international financial architecture and the multilateral trading system, with special emphasis on strengthening multilateral development banks.
While acknowledging the natural differences among such a diverse group of economies, Ramaphosa highlighted the “strong support” African priorities have received within the G20. Preparatory meetings, he said, have already allowed for discussion of “some of the most pressing challenges” facing the international community — a sign that South Africa’s presidency is committed to finding “sustainable and innovative solutions” through dialogue and cooperation.
Trump Absent, J.D. Vance to Represent U.S.
U.S. participation has drawn media attention amid recent diplomatic frictions. President Donald Trump confirmed he will not attend the Johannesburg summit, delegating representation to Vice President J.D. Vance.
The decision comes amid strained relations between Washington and Pretoria, marked by 30% tariffs on South African products and the suspension of U.S. economic aid announced in February. The White House justified the measures by criticizing South Africa’s land reform policies and its stance toward Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Even while acknowledging the natural differences among such diverse economies, Ramaphosa highlighted the “strong support” that African priorities have received among G20 members.
Still, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola welcomed Vance’s participation pragmatically, stressing that what matters most is that the U.S. remains represented and open to dialogue. For Pretoria, Trump’s absence will not prevent the achievement of “ambitious outcomes” at the summit.
Africa and the Critical Minerals Negotiation
Another major focus of South Africa’s presidency is the issue of critical minerals, a matter of strategic importance for the global economy and the digital transition. It is estimated that 30% of the world’s reserves of these resources are located in Africa.
Copper, cobalt, coltan (a mix of columbite and tantalite), lithium, and platinum are essential materials for electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence systems, electronic components, and high-definition screens. South Africa alone holds 80% of global platinum reserves.
Against this backdrop, Ramaphosa has emphasized that mineral exploitation must go beyond a purely extractive logic and instead generate local added value through the establishment of processing and manufacturing chains within Africa. Speaking in Davos earlier this year, he summarized this vision as the creation of an “additive, not merely extractive” relationship.
The New Oil Rush
African experts have warned of the risks of a “critical minerals rush,” in which the continent’s technological dependence on major powers and multinational corporations could weaken its bargaining position. Researcher Noelle van der Waag-Cowling stressed the need for Africa to strengthen its diplomatic and technical capacity to secure fair returns from its resources, suggesting that exploration agreements be tied to digital infrastructure and data center investments.
Cybersecurity is also emerging as a priority. The digitalization of the mining industry exposes supply chains to potential cyberattacks, noted Gilbert Nyandeje, head of the Africa Cyber Defense Forum. According to him, major tech companies must not only ensure the integrity of these supply chains, but also commit to a more equitable partnership with Africa.
Diplomatic experts are increasingly calling for African nations to appoint “technology ambassadors,” following the example of countries such as Denmark and France, to defend their interests with powerful corporations that today rival states in influence.
U.S. to Assume Rotating Presidency Next
The Johannesburg meeting, which precedes the U.S. presidency of the G20 in 2026 — already announced by Donald Trump for Miami, Florida — will therefore be a decisive stage. It aims not only to discuss reforms to the global economic system and responses to international crises, but also to affirm Africa’s central role in the future of the digital economy and energy transition.
Between high expectations and diplomatic tensions, South Africa’s presidency seeks to leave a clear mark: that of a continent no longer content to supply resources, but determined to be an active partner and direct beneficiary in the new technological and economic order now taking shape.
Text: Newsroom • Photo: D.R.
