Cyril Ramaphosa on G20
TL;DR
Cyril Ramaphosa views the G20 as the premier forum for global economic cooperation, prioritizing Africa's interests and inclusive development.
Key Points
He stressed that the G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders Summit was the first to be hosted on African soil.
The President emphasized the importance of the G20 Leaders agreed on further mechanisms to provide relief to countries with unsustainable debt levels in November 2025.
Following the 2025 summit, he noted a regrettable statement from the US that suggested South Africa would not be invited to future G20 meetings in 2026.
Summary
Cyril Ramaphosa views the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, which must remain relevant in a changing world. During South Africa's 2025 Presidency, which was the first hosted on African soil, he championed the theme of 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.' His core stance focused on placing the development priorities of the Global South and the African continent firmly on the G20 agenda, seeking to address poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. He stressed that G20 decisions must be credible, informed by the voices of the people through mechanisms like the Social Summit, and must work to strengthen and reform the international financial architecture to ensure equality and dignity for all nations.
The implication of his G20 leadership was a strong advocacy for multilateralism, consensus, and partnership, particularly in the face of global uncertainty, conflict, and climate change. He worked to mobilize the G20 on specific priorities, including strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for developing economies, increasing finance for a just energy transition, and ensuring critical minerals benefit the countries of extraction through beneficiation. Furthermore, he noted regrettable external challenges, such as a US statement concerning South Africa's participation, reaffirming the country's status as a full, active, and constructive founding member of the G20.
Key Quotes
When we launched our G20 Presidency a year ago, I said that this must be the People's G20.
As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cyril Ramaphosa views the G20 as the essential platform for international economic cooperation and global governance. He strongly advocates for its continued relevance, particularly in ensuring the G20 agenda addresses the developmental priorities of Africa and the Global South.
The President centered South Africa's G20 Presidency on 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.' His main goals were to champion issues like poverty reduction, greater equality, and climate action, while pushing for reforms to the international financial system to benefit developing economies.
Yes, the President noted a regrettable statement by the US administration casting doubt on South Africa's G20 worthiness. Cyril Ramaphosa firmly responded by asserting South Africa is a sovereign country and a founding, full member of the G20 in its own right.
Sources7
Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Social Summit
Closing Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Leaders' Summit, 23 November 2025
President Ramaphosa notes US statement on South Africa's G20 participation
President Cyril Ramaphosa: Address to the nation on the conclusion of G20 South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa: Address to the Nation on the Conclusion of G20 South Africa
Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the opening of the G20 Leaders Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa notes US statement on South Africa's G20 participation (27/11/2025)
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.