South Africa takes over the G20 presidency on Sunday, the first African country to lead the forum, though its focus on issues such as inclusive growth and climate change risks bumping up against the hard reality of trade wars and diplomatic tensions.
Coming a year after the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20, South Africa’s turn at the helm is seen as an opportunity to push for progress on policy areas crucial to the continent’s development.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has cited inclusive economic growth, food security, climate change and artificial intelligence as priorities, with details expected next week.
South Africa is the fourth emerging market in a row to assume the G20 presidency, which rotates annually, after Indonesia, India and Brazil, and Ramaphosa has said his country would seek to build on the work of those predecessors.
The United States will take over in December
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