Category: MIL-OSI

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SA seals key agricultural trade deal with Vietnam

Source: Government of South Africa

SA seals key agricultural trade deal with Vietnam

South Africa’s agricultural sector has achieved a major diplomatic and trade milestone, following the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a move expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation and unlock new opportunities for South African producers in one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

The agreement was signed by Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep, on Friday, ahead of the official opening on G20 Leaders’ Summit.

It lays the foundation for expanded collaboration in crop production, plant protection, animal husbandry, veterinary services, research and development, technology transfer, and agricultural trade.

The MoU’s finalisation comes just three weeks after Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen’s visit to Vietnam – which took place during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit. It also aligns with President Ramaphosa’s directive to all Ministers to move swiftly and decisively in expanding South Africa’s access to export markets.

Steenhuisen highlighted that at its heart, the partnership is built on trust and a shared ambition to strengthen sustainable agricultural systems that deliver economic growth and deepen the warm ties between our countries.

“This agreement strengthens our strategic presence in Asia and supports our mission to broaden market access for South African producers,” Steenhuisen said.

A win for South African producers

The Minister emphasised that the MoU is grounded in tangible progress, noting that they are building on real results.

“Our high-quality oranges have found a loyal and growing audience in Vietnam, where consumers recognise the value of South African produce,” he said.

Vietnam opened its market to South African oranges in May 2024 after the successful conclusion of a bilateral protocol.

In the 2024 season, South Africa exported 53 311 fifteen-kilogram cartons of oranges to Vietnam. In 2025, that figure rose sharply to 209 569 cartons, representing a fourfold increase.

“This growth is a powerful vote of confidence in our exports. It reinforces South Africa’s position as the world’s second-largest citrus exporter and highlights the strong appetite in Asia that our farmers are ready to serve,” the Minister said.

Following the success of oranges, the Minister said South Africa is now pushing for greater access for other citrus products, especially mandarins.

He said with Vietnam’s annual agricultural import market valued at more than 30 billion US dollars, and South Africa’s current exports of edible fruits and nuts valued at around 54 million dollars, the potential for expansion is immense.

“The MoU is designed to accelerate this growth by strengthening cooperation, fast-tracking market penetration and supporting South Africa’s ambition to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in new agricultural export revenue. Such gains will flow directly into rural communities through job creation, increased income, and more resilient local economies.”

South Africa already exports maize, apples, pears and grapes to Vietnam, and the expanded cooperation framework is expected to increase volumes across these categories.

The Minister said work is also underway to secure access for high-value niche products, such as game meat, which will further diversify South Africa’s export basket.

“Ultimately, strengthening ties with Vietnam supports South Africa’s broader objective of deepening access to the Southeast Asian region. As a stable and strategically positioned economy, Vietnam offers a valuable gateway for South African producers seeking to expand in Asia’s dynamic markets,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration ‘revolutionary’ for Africa, Global South

Source: Government of South Africa

G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration ‘revolutionary’ for Africa, Global South

“The world is here, the African continent is here, [global] institutions are here. Multilateralism has been affirmed. The multi-polar world is in real action.”

These were the words of Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, following the announcement that the G20 Leaders’ Summit has adopted a declaration.

The Minister spoke to the media on the sidelines of the first day of the two-day Leaders’ Summit on Saturday. 

The historical summit – held on the African continent for the first time – is being held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

“We see this as a platform that affirms multilateralism. Multilateralism has served the world very well since the second world war and this platform is affirming that,” Lamola said.

He noted that the venue chosen to host the summit is symbolic of South Africa’s aims to build a world of mutual cooperation.

“We are glad that we are talking about a number of issues to bridge between the Global South and the Global North. Is it not ironic that we have placed it here in Soweto…which used to be a black township [and] on my right is Joburg North which used to be an only white area. 

“We have brought everyone here to say that this is the bridge that the global north and south must breach so that all of us can work together for the best and for the benefit of humanity,” he noted.

On the declaration itself, particularly on digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the Minister said it is a pivotal step for Africa.

“On the African continent, very few content creators get any resources…TikTok, Apple and so forth. But this G20 speaks about how the African continent must not just be a consumer of artificial intelligence but it must be at the source of innovation, research, data centres and all those platforms.

“So, this is very key also for young people of this continent…this being a youthful continent. This G20 will revolutionarise how the African continent participates in the global economy.

“We are really glad as the South African government that finally… [the G20 Presidency] has culminated into a progressive declaration…that will revolutionarise how the global south participates and plays in the global economy,” Lamola remarked.

This as Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya earlier confirmed that the leaders of the G20 have reached a consensus for a G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration to be adopted.

READ | G20 Leaders’ Summit adopts declaration

“[The declaration] has been adopted by the leaders here at the summit. We were edging closer and closer to that unanimous adoption and now we have a summit declaration adopted,” said Magwenya.

In his opening address at the Summit earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil must reflect the aspirations of both the continent and the wider global community.
READ | G20 must reflect aspirations of Africa and the world 

–SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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G20 Leaders’ Summit adopts declaration

Source: Government of South Africa

G20 Leaders’ Summit adopts declaration

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has confirmed that the leaders of the G20 have reached a consensus for a G20 Leaders’ Summit declaration to be adopted.

Magwenya was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg.

“[The declaration] has been adopted by the leaders here at the summit. We were edging closer and closer to that unanimous adoption and now we have a summit declaration adopted.

“There was a slight change in the programme. Normally the adoption happens right at the end but throughout the day yesterday, during various bilateral talks, there was a sense that we should actually move to have the summit declaration adopted first as a first order of the day and then proceed with the rest of the day,” he said.

The spokesperson explained some of the elements within the declaration particularly as it relates to conflicts across the world.

“What the declaration does, it affirms the centrality of the UN Charter with respect to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and avoiding the use of force in resolving the issues of dispute.

“The declaration highlights, in particular, the four of the gravest conflicts in the world namely: the DRC, Sudan, Ukraine and Palestine.

Facing questions on the absence of the USA, Magwenya highlighted that government has communicated that it will not do the symbolic handover the G20 Presidency gavel to a “junior official”.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the USA would send a Charge’ d’ Affaires – an embassy official – to recognise the handover.

“We have communicated that officially [and] we have communicated that publicly. It has never been done before and it’s not going to happen and start now with South Africa.

“The President will not handover to a junior embassy official. It’s a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated or allowed in this instance.

“It is a position of principle. America chose to boycott the summit. That is their choice and that’s their prerogative to do so. But what cannot happen is a breach of protocol being forced,” he said.

The spokesperson affirmed South Africa’s commitment to engaging with countries.

“We are a sovereign country. We will always engage with other countries in a respectful and considerate manner as we have always done particularly with the US considering all the challenges that we’ve faced in trying to reset that relationship.

“However, one must also give consideration that you have more than one country. It’s the G20, plus the [African Union], plus the [European Union] therefore we can’t just bend the rules for one country. We need to respect the countries who have been part of the process, who’ve worked tirelessly to make sure that this G20 is a success that it is now.

“We need to move forward,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Coopération environnementale : Le Bénin inspire la Guinée dans la modernisation de son système de gestion intégrée des déchets

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Bénin, terre hospitalière et modèle reconnu en gestion des déchets a accueilli, du 17 au 21 novembre 2025, une délégation guinéenne conduite par le Directeur Général de l’ANASP, Monsieur Mamoudou DIANÉ. Ce voyage d’étude, soutenu par le programme SANITA – Villes Propres, s’inscrit dans la volonté de la Guinée de s’inspirer du système béninois pour moderniser sa propre gestion des déchets. 

Dès leur arrivée au siège de la SGDS S.A, les autorités guinéennes ont découvert la gouvernance centralisée, le cadre légal, l’organisation opérationnelle et les mécanismes de coordination qui structurent le modèle béninois. Les échanges ont confirmé la pertinence d’adapter à Conakry un dispositif capable d’améliorer la collecte, la valorisation et la planification du secteur. 

Les visites techniques ont permis d’observer les installations clés : centre de supervision GPS, points de regroupement modernisés, centres de transfert, base logistique, centre d’enfouissement de Ouessè et unités de compostage et recyclage. La délégation y a identifié plusieurs innovations transférables pour renforcer le système guinéen. 

Les échanges avec les PME de collecte et les acteurs privés béninois, notamment la Faîtière, ont mis en lumière l’importance de leur implication dans la performance du dispositif. Les mécanismes de contractualisation, de suivi et de sensibilisation communautaire ont particulièrement retenu l’attention des responsables guinéens. 

La mission s’est poursuivie dans les villes secondaires, notamment à Ouidah et Sèmè-Podji, où les participants ont découvert des infrastructures de rupture de charge et des initiatives locales d’éducation environnementale. Ces expériences renforcent l’ambition guinéenne de bâtir un modèle décentralisé et durable. 

Enfin, la délégation guinéenne a exprimé sa profonde gratitude au Président Patrice TALON, dont le leadership a permis l’édification d’un système modernisé et performant. En s’inspirant de l’expérience béninoise, la Guinée entend engager une transformation durable de sa gestion des déchets au profit de ses populations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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G20 must reflect aspirations of Africa and the world 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil must reflect the aspirations of both the continent and the wider global community.

Opening the two-day gathering at Johannesburg’s Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday, the President noted that while the G20 once focused mainly on macroeconomic issues, it now tackles a broad range of priorities including trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy and climate change.

In his address this morning, the President said G20 countries understand that progress on all of these issues is a necessary condition for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

“Through solidarity, we can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people around the world who are at the greatest risk of being left behind. This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations,” President Ramaphosa said.

He further told those attending the gathering that by promoting equality, they strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations. 

“It is essential that we break down divisions of economic status, gender, race and geography. Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

“We seek stability because it attracts investment, improves planning and reduces the risk of global economic shocks. And we prioritise inclusive and vibrant markets because they drive innovation and efficiency.

“Thriving economies lift people out of poverty, encourage greater investment and trade, and generate the revenue needed to invest in public goods,” he said.

Impact and multilateralism 

The President urged the leaders to make greater and faster progress towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  

“We must continue the reform of the international financial architecture, ensuring that institutions are strengthened, are more inclusive and are equipped to meet the challenges both of the present and the future.

He said that the G20 needs to renew its efforts to advance debt sustainability, with a particular emphasis on African countries and that there must a mobilisation of finance for a just energy transition, increasing the quality and quantity of climate finance flows to developing economy countries. 

He said the first Leaders’ Summit “carries the hopes, and must reflect the aspirations, of the people of this continent and of the world.”

“We should not allow anything to diminish the value, the stature or the impact of the first African G20 Presidency. This G20 Leaders’ Summit has a responsibility not to allow the integrity and the credibility of the G20 to be weakened,” he said.

The President thanked all the delegations that have worked together with South Africa in good faith to produce a worthy G20 outcome document for this historic leaders’ meeting.
He added that the G20 underscores the value and relevance of multilateralism while also a sending a message of hope.

“It recognises that the challenges we all face can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership. The adoption of the declaration from the summit sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver.

“It sends a message of hope and solidarity,” he said. SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa underscores SA’s commitment and responsibility as G20 President

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa told delegates attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit that South Africa understands the responsibility of being entrusted with the Presidency of the G20.

“In the execution of its task as the President of the G20, South Africa has throughout the past year – through its stewardship of some 130 meetings in various parts of South Africa, in other countries on the African continent and beyond our shores – sought to undertake this task with care and diligence,” President Ramaphosa said.

In his opening remarks at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, on Saturday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is deeply aware of the profound responsibility that membership of the community of nations places upon South Africa.

South Africa is hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’.

“We have sought at all times to preserve the integrity and stature of the G20, a premier forum of international economic cooperation,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa told the delegates that the deliberations of the G20 have an impact on the lives of all members of the global community.

“From its initial focus on broad macroeconomic issues, the G20 is now engaged on matters such as trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy, environment and climate change, among others.

“As the G20 countries, we understand that progress on each and all of these issues is a necessary condition for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

“In pursuit of, and in conformity with, the founding mission of the G20, South Africa adopted the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ for its G20 Presidency,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said through solidarity, the G20 can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people around the world who are at the greatest risk of being left behind.

“This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations. By promoting equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations.

“The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is not only unjust and unsustainable. It is also one of the greatest impediments to sustainable growth,” the President said.

The President pointed out that it is essential that the G20 break down divisions of economic status, gender, race and geography.

“Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” the President said.

The President told the delegates that as a founding member of the G20, South Africa has sought to ensure that the development priorities of the Global South and the African continent find expression firmly and permanently on the agenda of the G20.

“This is important not only for the people of Africa and the Global South. It is vital for global stability and security, alleviating resource pressures, managing population movements and reducing the risk of conflict. 

“We seek stability because it attracts investment, improves planning and reduces the risk of global economic shocks. And we prioritise inclusive and vibrant markets because they drive innovation and efficiency,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said thriving economies lift people out of poverty, encourage greater investment and trade, and generate the revenue needed to invest in public goods.

“It is therefore essential that we make greater and faster progress towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” he said, adding that the G20 must continue the reform of the international financial architecture, ensuring that institutions are strengthened, are more inclusive and are equipped to meet the challenges both of the present and the future.    

South Africa is the first African country to host the G20 Summit. South Africa assumed the year-long G20 Presidency in December 2024, becoming the first African state to host the prestigious global forum.

Since taking over the reigns as the President of the G20, South Africa has hosted 130 preparatory meetings which were incident free and used the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our provinces and tourism destinations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement œuvre à combler le déficit de financement du développement avec une nouvelle plateforme continentale de coordination financière

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) travaille en étroite collaboration avec des partenaires financiers régionaux clés à la mise en place d’une plateforme panafricaine de coordination financière. Cette plateforme innovante est conçue pour favoriser une plus grande synergie entre les institutions financières africaines et garantir un déploiement efficace des ressources. 

Le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, Sidi Ould Tah, a rencontré les dirigeants des institutions de financement du développement (IFD) africaines et les partenaires financiers du secteur privé le 19 novembre au siège du groupe à Abidjan. Ces réunions faisaient suite à une session de travail de haut niveau avec les dirigeants des bourses africaines, qui s’était tenue la veille. La nouvelle initiative devrait voir le jour après de vastes consultations avec un large éventail d’experts du secteur financier. 

« Un nouveau cadre pour notre partenariat signifie que nous comptons davantage sur vous. Nos pays ont besoin d’énormes ressources », a déclaré M. Ould Tah aux dirigeants des principales IFD en Afrique, parmi lesquelles la Banque d’investissement et de développement de la CEDEAO (BIDC), l’Eastern & Southern African Trade & Development Bank (TDB), la Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD), Africa Finance Corporation et Shelter Afrique. 

La plateforme proposée permettra d’améliorer l’efficacité grâce à la mutualisation des pipelines de projets, à l’harmonisation des normes techniques et à la coordination des calendriers de mise en œuvre. Les institutions de financement du développement sont des alliés essentiels à sa réussite, car elles sont idéalement placées pour combler les déficits de financement et stimuler le développement aux niveaux national et régional, a souligné le président Ould Tah. « Les IFD régionales sont les plus proches des bénéficiaires », a-t-il fait remarquer, ajoutant qu’il était essentiel de renforcer la base de capital de ces institutions afin d’améliorer leur capacité à remplir leur mandat. 

Les participants à la réunion ont salué cette initiative, formulé des suggestions et partagé les points positifs et les domaines à améliorer. 

Admassu Tadesse, président et directeur général de TDB Group, a reconnu la capacité financière des banques multilatérales de développement telles que le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement. « Elles connaissent les instruments clés qui peuvent nous aider à avancer. », a-t-il affirmé. M. Tadesse a appelé à la mise en place d’un mécanisme de liquidité de réserve pour aider les institutions financières multilatérales de développement régionales à réduire leurs coûts, ainsi qu’à l’utilisation de garanties de capital appelable : « Nous recherchons des capacités, des innovations et souhaitons tirer parti de la notation « AAA » des BMD. Nous sommes constamment à la recherche de financements abordables pour produire un impact », a-t-il déclaré. 

Serge Ekue, président de la BOAD, a souligné l’importance de la notation de crédit « AAA » du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, notant que l’impact de l’instabilité politique, comme les cinq coups d’État survenus en Afrique de l’Ouest au cours des cinq dernières années, avait conduit à la dégradation de la notation de nombreux pays. Pour son institution, cela a été évité grâce au maintien de fonds propres suffisants, a-t-il précisé. Selon M. Ekue, les institutions régionales de financement du développement travaillent plus près du terrain, et il est nécessaire d’éviter les doubles emplois ou les chevauchements d’efforts, et de disposer de cadres opérationnels plus clairs. « Nous sommes suffisamment petits pour nous soucier des détails, mais suffisamment grands pour agir », a-t-il souligné. 

Le président de la BIDC, George Agyekum Donkor, a estimé que des institutions plus importantes, telles que le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, étaient nécessaires pour soutenir les plus petites grâce à leur crédibilité, ainsi que par le biais d’instruments tels que les programmes de syndication et de cofinancement. « Il doit y avoir une synergie entre les institutions financières », a appelé M. Donkor. 

Une meilleure coordination permettrait d’optimiser la mobilisation des ressources, a reconnu Thierno-Habib Hann, directeur général de Shelter Afrique, organisme panafricain de financement du développement du logement basé à Nairobi. M. Hann a réaffirmé le rôle crucial des banques multilatérales de développement en tant que partenaires soutenant les institutions régionales dans l’accélération du développement. Il a également souligné leur rôle dans le renforcement des capacités, citant les facilités de développement de projets et de préparation de projets au sein du Groupe de la Banque et sa présence sur le terrain. « Nous travaillons vraiment ensemble sur des projets de transformation à grande échelle, nous avons de grandes ambitions », a-t-il noté. 

S’exprimant au nom de Samaila D. Zubairu, président-directeur général d’AFC, Sameh Shenouda a déclaré qu’il était essentiel de décloisonner les secteurs et de renforcer la coopération : « Il n’y a pas assez de projets bancables, pas assez de ressources en capitaux propres. » M. Shenouda a souligné l’importance des relations publiques et de s’exprimer collectivement. « Nous devons discuter ensemble de manière délibérée, organiser des événements communs lors de grands rassemblements tels que l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies. Communiquer ensemble sur l’Afrique aura un impact considérable. » 

« Nous pouvons collaborer encore plus, fonctionner comme un système. Ce système ne concerne pas seulement notre collaboration avec vous, mais aussi votre collaboration avec d’autres », a insisté Solomon Quaynor, vice-président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement chargé du Secteur privé, de l’Infrastructure et de l’Industrialisation. Avant d’ajouter : « Nous aurons des discussions bilatérales et séparées dans le cadre de cette nouvelle vision, afin de déterminer la meilleure façon d’allouer les capitaux. Nous allons mobiliser nos partenaires. » 

Au terme des réunions, M. Ould Tah a salué des discussions enrichissantes. Il a ajouté qu’un groupe de travail serait mis en place pour traiter les questions clés soulevées lors des consultations : renforcement de l’équité, réduction des risques, subsidiarité, prévention des doubles emplois, prêts concessionnels et liquidités pour les institutions de financement du développement. 

À cette fin, le président Ould Tah a également annoncé qu’il allait engager le dialogue avec le secteur privé et les agences de notation de crédit à la mi-décembre à Londres, juste après la réunion finale de la 17e reconstitution des ressources du Fonds africain de développement (FAD-17), le guichet concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque. Cette réunion est organisée par les gouvernements du Royaume-Uni et du Ghana les 15 et 16 décembre 2025 dans la capitale britannique. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias : 
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
courriel : media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org 

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Statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the opening of the G20 Leaders Summit

Source: President of South Africa –

Distinguished Heads of State and Government of G20 Members and Invited Guest Countries,
Heads of Regional Economic Communities,
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres,
Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Heads of International Organisations,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished Guests,

It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you all to the first G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held on African soil. 

We gather here at the Cradle of Humankind to affirm our common humanity.

We gather here to affirm the value of partnership and cooperation, to finding common solutions to shared problems.

Shortly before the dawn of a democratic and free South Africa in 1994, the founding father of our democracy President, Nelson Mandela, said: “The time has come for South Africa to take up its rightful and responsible place in the community of nations.”

Today, as we open this G20 Leader’s Summit, South Africa is deeply aware of the profound responsibility that membership of the community of nations places upon us.

We also understand the responsibility of being entrusted with the Presidency of the G20. 

In the execution of its task as the President of the G20, South Africa has throughout the past year – through its stewardship of some 130 meetings in various parts of South Africa, in other countries on the African continent and beyond our shores – sought to undertake this task with care and diligence.

We have sought at all times to preserve the integrity and stature of the G20, a premier forum of international economic cooperation.

The deliberations of the G20 have an impact on the lives of all members of the global community.

From its initial focus on broad macroeconomic issues, the G20 is now engaged on matters such as trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy, environment and climate change, among others.

As the G20 countries, we understand that progress on each and all of these issues is a necessary condition for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth.

In pursuit of, and in conformity with, the founding mission of the G20, South Africa adopted the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ for its G20 Presidency.

Through solidarity, we can create an inclusive future that advances the interests of people around the world who are at the greatest risk of being left behind. 

This is important in an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations.

By promoting equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations.

The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is not only unjust and unsustainable. It is also one of the greatest impediments to sustainable growth.

It is essential that we break down divisions of economic status, gender, race and geography. 

Sustainability involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

As a founding member of the G20, South Africa has sought to ensure that the development priorities of the Global South and the African continent find expression firmly and permanently on the agenda of the G20.

This is important not only for the people of Africa and the Global South 

It is vital for global stability and security, alleviating resource pressures, managing population movements and reducing the risk of conflict. 

We seek stability because it attracts investment, improves planning and reduces the risk of global economic shocks. 

And we prioritise inclusive and vibrant markets because they drive innovation and efficiency. 

Thriving economies lift people out of poverty, encourage greater investment and trade, and generate the revenue needed to invest in public goods. 

The threats facing humanity today – from escalating geopolitical tensions, global warming, pandemics, energy and food insecurity to inequality, unemployment, extreme poverty and armed conflict – jeopardise our collective future. 

It is therefore essential that we make greater and faster progress towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

We welcome the Sevilla Commitment adopted in June this year, which sets forth a renewed global framework for financing for development.

We must use this framework to catalyse development investments at scale in developing economy countries.

We must continue the reform of the international financial architecture, ensuring that institutions are strengthened, are more inclusive and are equipped to meet the challenges both of the present and the future.

At the beginning of our G20 Presidency, we identified four high-level priorities.

Firstly, we focused on action to strengthen disaster resilience and response.

While climate-induced natural disasters affect countries around the world, they have a particularly devastating impact on countries that cannot afford the costs of recovery and rebuilding. 

We have agreed that it is essential for the global community, international financial institutions, development banks and the private sector, to scale up post-disaster reconstruction. 

Secondly, we agreed that we must take action to ensure debt sustainability for low-income countries.

The G20 needs to renew its efforts to advance debt sustainability, with a particular emphasis on African countries. 

Thirdly, we said we should mobilise finance for a just energy transition, increasing the quality and quantity of climate finance flows to developing economy countries. 

Fourthly, we emphasised the importance of harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development through the beneficiation of the minerals at the place of extraction. 

In addition to these four priorities, we have prioritised issues of inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, inequality, employment, food security and artificial intelligence. 

Much of the work of the past year will be presented and considered at this meeting.

We commend in particular the G20@20 Review, which provides a detailed account of the path we have travelled as the G20.

It describes both our achievements and our challenges, and makes proposals on how we can organise ourselves to be more focused on our core mandate.

We welcome the work of the G20 Africa Expert Panel, led by South Africa’s former Minister of Finance Mr Trevor Manuel.

The panel argues that African efforts to accelerate productive investment require new global partnerships and strong multilateral cooperation. It calls on the G20 to support this effort by building a global policy framework that unlocks long-term finance at lower cost and investment at scale.

We are also grateful for the work of the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality, led by Professor Joseph Stiglitz.

The recommendations of the Extraordinary Committee provide a solid platform on which to launch a renewed global effort to tackle inequality.

As this is the first G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held in Africa, it carries the hopes, and must reflect the aspirations, of the people of this continent and of the world.

We should not allow anything to diminish the value, the stature or the impact of the first African G20 Presidency.

This G20 Leaders’ Summit has a responsibility not to allow the integrity and the credibility of the G20 to be weakened.

We thank all the delegations that have worked together with us in good faith to produce a worthy G20 outcome document for this historic leaders’ meeting.

The G20 underscores the value and relevance of multilateralism.

It recognises that the challenges we all face can only be resolved through cooperation, collaboration and partnership. 

The adoption of the declaration from the summit sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver.

It sends a message of hope and solidarity.

It tells the world that as the leaders of the G20, we will keep fast to our solemn pledge to leave no person, no community and no country behind.

I thank you
 

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G20 Leaders arrive to warm welcome at Nasrec Expo Centre

Source: Government of South Africa

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile and several Cabinet ministers arrived early this morning at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg to welcome G20 leaders attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which officially opened at 10am today and ends tomorrow.

Some G20 leaders arrived in South Africa during the week, while others touched down last night. Only a few delegations are expected to arrive this morning.

South Africa is the first African country to host the G20 Summit, having assumed the year-long G20 Presidency in December 2024. The country is hosting the global forum under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

Earlier this month, Cabinet expressed its full confidence in South Africa’s ability to host a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit.

 Since taking over the reigns as the President of the G20, the country has convened 130 incident-free preparatory meetings, showcasing the diversity of its provinces and tourism destinations.

At the media centre housed at the Summit’s venue, it’s a hive of activity with journalists preparing themselves to cover the Summit from the centre while others are conducting interviews with ministers and senior government officials.

 Outside the venue, police are directing arriving vehicles and conducting thorough inspections as part of heightened security measures.

Security around the Nasrec Expo Centre has been significantly tightened, with multiple road closures in the surrounding area. 

Earlier this week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) reaffirmed the country’s readiness to ensure the safety of delegates and the public during the Summit.

NATJOINTS confirmed that while a soft lockdown is currently in place around the venue, a hard lockdown will be enforced from Friday, 21 November to Monday, 24 November 2025 in the vicinity of the FNB Stadium, which is housing the accreditation centre and the Nasrec Expo Conference centre, which is hosting dignitaries and delegates.

According to NATJOINTS, the hard lockdown means that only individuals with valid accreditation will be permitted in and around the precinct. All vehicles arriving at the venue and in the vicinity are undergoing stringent security checks before being allowed to enter the premises. – SAnews.gov.za

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Law enforcement on high guard as dignitaries pour in for G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Law enforcement is on high alert and ready to ensure the safe, smooth and secure running of the G20 Leaders’ Summit commencing at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg today.

This, according to South African Police Service national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, who spoke to SAnews at the centre just ahead of the summit.

Thousands of people, including heads of state and government, their entourages, delegates and the media are gathering at the global gathering.

“We are quite confident of the security measures that we’ve put in place to ensure that this event takes place in a safe and secure environment…a lot of planning and coordination. But now it’s time for execution and we are quite confident that we will ensure the smooth running of this two-day G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“We have been meeting regularly as the security cluster…and looking at our track record, we have no doubt that this event will take place in a very peaceful environment,” Mathe said.

The spokesperson reminded South Africans of SAPS’ track record of keeping gatherings of this magnitude safe.

She added assurance that regular policing continues where citizens live.

“NATJOINTS has been at the forefront of ensuring that events of this magnitude take place in a very secure environment. We’ve held the BRICS Summit, AGOA conference and the 2010 World Cup and all those events took place in a very secure environment and thanks to our law enforcement agencies who are on the ground doing what is expected of them…to enforce the law.

“Citizens need not worry. We are still having members at the police stations. Our members are still working and any victim of crime, any complaint, you will be taken care of at the police station. Officers at the stations are still working to keep you safe,” she said.

The centre and surrounding areas have been earmarked as red zones only accessible by accreditation.

“If you are not in possession of a valid accreditation card then you cannot be in this vicinity because there’s heightened police operations [and] security is tight.

“We have declared this area as a vehicle-free zone. Meaning that we have implemented a park and ride system. At the park and ride, you get a screening point with police officers where we verify your accreditation card and check for prohibited items,” she told SAnews.

Speakers’ corners have been made for those who have applied to protest at the event. 

These areas will also be under police guard – ensuring that South Africans can exercise their right to protest under a safe environment.

However, those who step outside of the bounds of the law will be dealt with.

“We are warning those who want to test our security measures that we are not going to allow any lawlessness. We are not going to allow any criminality. We are here to stamp the authority of the state.

“We are not going to allow any disruptions. Any testing of security measures and you’ll find yourself on the wrong side and we will not hesitate to deal decisively with that ill-discipline,” Mathe warned.

South Africans are urged to take heed of road closures and traffic control during the weekend.

“We request and urge the people of South Africa, in the true spirit of ubuntu, to cooperate with law enforcement. It’s just for a short period of time where there will be traffic disruptions and traffic congestions and not being able to use certain roads.

“Let us show our international visitors the true spirit of ubuntu. Let us stand together to ensure the successful hosting of this particular event,” Mathe concluded. – SAnews.gov.za