How South Africa is using its G20 Presidency (2025) to push for issues affecting poorer countries, especially African state<i>? </i>

Abstract

South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 occurs at a time when global inequality, sovereign debt distress, and development financing gaps continue to restrict progress in the Global South, especially in Africa. This study examines how South Africa seeks to take advantage of its middle-power status and presidential agenda to advance African developmental priorities within the G20 framework. Using qualitative analysis of desk-based content and discourse of the G20 Leaders’ Declarations, Sherpa track documents, DIRCO policy statements, and related official communications, the document assesses both the formulation and acceptance of South Africa’s key policy positions. The findings indicate that South Africa has been effective in agenda-setting particularly in securing recognition of the need for fairer restructuring of sovereign debt, climate finance, and reforms of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). However, its efforts face structural resistance from advanced economies, limiting the extent to which these priorities translate into substantive changes in global financial governance or binding commitments on development financing. The study argues that to overcome these constraints, future Global South presidencies should adopt coordinated coalition-building strategies with the African Union (AU), BRICS+ and MDBs. Such alliances can strengthen negotiating power, ensure continuity across summits, and help move the G20 from rhetorical acknowledgement toward tangible systemic reforms that better serve vulnerable African economies.

Keywords: {'name': 'G20 Presidency'}, {'name': 'Global South'}, {'name': 'Sovereign Debt'}, {'name': 'MDB Reform (Multilateral Development Bank Reform)'}, {'name': 'African Development'}

Authors & affiliations

Ampfarisaho Ashley Mudau
University of Limpopo

Stewart Lee Kugara
University of Limpopo

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