Natalie Nyathi
As South Africa holds the G20 presidency in 2025, it faces the significant challenge of fostering global cooperation amid strained relations with the United States. The G20, a forum comprising 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union, represents 85% of global GDP and is crucial for addressing international economic challenges. South Africa assumed the G20 presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, with the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
Tensions between South Africa and the US have complicated South Africa’s G20 agenda. According to reports, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would not attend a foreign ministers’ summit, dismissing South Africa’s G20 goals as anti-American. This sentiment has raised concerns about the extent to which South Africa can drive its agenda forward without high-level US participation. Some analysts suggest that the G20’s effectiveness is limited without American support, given the US’s influence in global financial structures and institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO.
The US’s skepticism towards the G20’s environmental and equality agenda has further strained relations. With the US set to assume the G20 chairmanship in 2026, its current stance casts doubt on a constructive partnership during the transition.
Despite these challenges, South Africa is focused on several key priorities during its G20 presidency. According to the official G20 website, these include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized that South Africa will prioritize Africa’s development and advocate for developing economies in the Global South. The country aims to build on previous G20 presidencies to champion the development agenda and promote global debt reform.
In light of the US’s stance, South Africa is seeking to strengthen cooperation with other members, particularly the European Union. Both South Africa and the EU share common ground on diplomacy, multilateralism, and certain policies, including sustainable mining partnerships and just energy transition initiatives.
Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, chief executive of the South African Institute of International Affairs, suggests that South Africa should focus on what the forum can achieve without the US, particularly in areas where the US does not hold veto power.
South Africa’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial for the success of its G20 presidency. While US participation remains important, South Africa is committed to multilateralism and is actively seeking cooperation with other nations to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. The G20 Johannesburg summit in November 2025 will be a key test of South Africa’s leadership and its ability to foster consensus amidst geopolitical tensions.