The G20 summit in Johannesburg concluded on Sunday with a significant diplomatic achievement for South Africa and African nations, as leaders adopted a comprehensive declaration emphasizing multilateral cooperation despite the absence of the United States delegation.
Africa's Diplomatic Triumph at G20
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the Leaders' Declaration represented a "renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation" during the closing ceremony of the November 2025 summit. The declaration addressed critical global challenges including climate change, despite opposition from the United States government.
The Trump administration boycotted the event, citing unsubstantiated claims about South Africa's treatment of its white minority population. Washington also objected to South Africa's priorities on trade and climate cooperation, which conflicted with American policies.
In an unprecedented break from G20 protocol, Pretoria released the 122-point declaration at the beginning of the two-day meeting on Saturday, a move that further strained relations with the United States.
Key Outcomes and African Priorities
The declaration called for increased global attention on issues affecting developing nations, including financial assistance for climate-related disasters, debt relief, and support for transitioning to green energy sources. Leaders from 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union demanded that climate funding escalate "from billions to trillions globally".
On critical economic matters, the declaration emphasized:
- Securing supply chains for critical minerals amid geopolitical tensions
- Addressing global wealth disparities and development access
- Support for ethical artificial intelligence regulations
- Expanding AI infrastructure across Africa with UAE's $1 billion pledge
The summit marked a historic moment for African representation, with more than 20 African nations participating as guests. Germany announced new investments through pan-African insurer ATIDI, while the Compact with Africa program received fresh commitments.
Geopolitical Tensions and Future Challenges
Diplomatic friction intensified during the final hours as South Africa declined to conduct the traditional handover of the rotating presidency to the United States for 2026. President Donald Trump plans to host the next summit at his Florida golf club.
The declaration made only a single reference to Ukraine, calling for a "just, comprehensive and lasting peace" based on the UN Charter, despite gathering most world leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron noted the G20 was "struggling to have a common standard on geopolitical crises" and might be approaching "the end of a cycle".
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the challenging road ahead, while China's Premier Li Qiang warned about rising unilateralism and protectionism pressures on global solidarity.
Despite some diluted ambitions, including stronger language on taxing billionaires, Oxfam's Max Lawson praised the summit as "the first ever meeting of world leaders in history where the inequality emergency was put at the centre of the agenda".
President Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa had successfully placed African and Global South priorities at the heart of the G20 agenda, though the non-binding nature of G20 outcomes leaves implementation uncertain.
