South Africa's G20 Presidency

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa will leverage its G20 presidency to prioritize inclusive economic growth, food security, and artificial intelligence, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced at the summit of the Group of 20 major economies in Brazil.

South Africa succeeds Brazil as the G20 president at the summit held in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva previously urged G20 leaders to expedite their national climate targets, aiming for net zero climate emissions five to ten years earlier than planned.

President Ramaphosa stated: "As South Africa, we undertake to advance the work of the G20 towards achieving greater global economic growth and sustainable development. We will work to ensure that no one is left behind."

He emphasized that this presidency marks the first time an African country has led the G20, aiming to elevate the development priorities of Africa and the Global South within the G20 agenda.