On December 1, 2024, South Africa officially took over the presidency of the G20, with Johannesburg leading the group until the end of 2025. This marks the first time that the leadership of the G20 has been held by an African nation.
South Africa's presidency comes at a time when approximately 70% of the continent's population is under the age of 30, a demographic that is expected to grow significantly by 2050, according to the United Nations.
Prior to South Africa, the G20 presidency was held by Brazil in 2023, India in 2022, and Indonesia in 2021, all representing the Global South. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the nation would leverage this opportunity to enhance the development priorities of Africa and the Global South within the G20 agenda.
The key themes for South Africa's G20 presidency will include solidarity, equality, and sustainable development. The G20 currently consists of 19 countries, the European Union, and since September 2023, the African Union. Collectively, these members account for over 80% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.
South Africa will pass the G20 presidency to the United States in December 2025.