Rio de Janeiro – Brazil has officially handed over the G20 Presidency to South Africa during the closing ceremony of the annual summit held in Rio de Janeiro, marking a historic milestone for the African continent.

This transition makes South Africa the first African country to preside over the influential Group of 20, with approximately 130 meetings planned for 2025.

The ceremonial handover was conducted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The leaders struck the ceremonial gavel together, symbolizing the transfer of leadership, before exchanging warm handshakes and smiles.

“It is an honour to accept, on behalf of the people of South Africa, the responsibility of the Presidency of the G20 for the next year,” Ramaphosa said.

He extended congratulations to President Lula for Brazil’s successful presidency, which included elevating social and civil society participation and hosting the first-ever G20 Social Summit. Ramaphosa vowed to sustain these efforts, ensuring broader inclusion and engagement throughout South Africa’s presidency.

The South African President commended Brazil’s efforts in addressing pressing global challenges and emphasized the importance of advancing the development agenda, particularly for developing nations.

Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” South Africa’s G20 presidency will focus on fostering global unity, reducing inequalities, and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ramaphosa stressed the urgency of achieving the SDGs by 2030 and aligning G20 priorities with these objectives.

“We will work to ensure no one is left behind,” he declared.

He highlighted South Africa’s commitment to addressing critical global issues, including economic disparities, underdevelopment, food insecurity, and climate action. Additionally, Ramaphosa underscored the need for solidarity in crisis areas such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, and called for intensified international cooperation on global health crises, particularly the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa.

South Africa’s presidency will also prioritize advancing the interests of the African continent and the Global South. Key focus areas include inclusive economic growth, industrialization, job creation, and sustainable development.

“We are using this moment to place Africa and the Global South’s priorities firmly on the G20 agenda,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Ramaphosa extended an invitation to G20 members, saying, “South Africa looks forward to welcoming you all to our country and working together to build a better, more equitable world.”

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