For the first time in its 19-year history, the G20 has convened on African soil—and South Africa used that moment not just to host, but to lead. The G20 South Africa Summit 2025, held at Nasrec in Johannesburg, closed Sunday with a resounding call for a fairer global order, placing the needs of the Global South at the center of international decision-making. Marked by emotional applause, traditional ululation, and a powerful closing performance by the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, the summit marked a turning point: Africa didn’t just welcome the world—it challenged it.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his closing address, declared the gathering a milestone for continental dignity and diplomatic influence. “South Africa’s Presidency marks the first time that the G20 has been hosted on African soil,” he said. “Recognizing the importance of this milestone, we have sought to place Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda.”
Over two intense days, leaders from around the world tackled urgent global issues: economic inequality, inclusive growth, industrialization, climate finance, and energy security. The resulting G20 South Africa Summit 2025 Declaration went beyond rhetoric, embedding the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—into the fabric of multilateral cooperation.
“We recognize that individual nations cannot thrive in isolation,” the declaration stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to ensure that no one is left behind through solidarity, macroeconomic coordination, and global partnerships for sustainable development.” This was more than symbolism; it was a philosophical shift toward interdependence, equity, and shared responsibility.
By anchoring the summit in Ubuntu, South Africa reframed global leadership—not as dominance, but as collective care. The message was clear: lasting solutions to climate change, debt distress, and uneven development must include those historically excluded from power.
Despite the absence of the United States—the incoming G20 chair in 2026—engagement remained open. “The U.S. absence this year is voluntary,” said International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. “They are welcome. They can come at any time.” Still, with 42 countries present, including all major economies except one, the summit demonstrated broad buy-in for Africa’s agenda.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, emphasized the year-long effort behind the event: “We had the entire year of working towards this adoption. The past week has been quite intense.”
As the summit concluded, Ramaphosa struck the gavel to formally hand over the presidency to the United States. “Where we shall see each other again next year,” he said—a note of continuity amid shifting global dynamics.
He called on nations to act with unity and moral clarity: “Let us move forward together, demonstrating to the world that we have the capacity to confront and overcome the world’s challenges. Through partnerships across society, and by remembering our common humanity, we can create a more secure, a more just, and a more prosperous world. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind.”
While no binding treaties were signed, the G20 South Africa Summit 2025 achieved something profound: visibility, voice, and validation for the Global South. It proved that when Africa sets the agenda, the conversation changes—from extraction to inclusion, from aid to justice, from silence to song.
And as the final chords of the Soweto Gospel Choir filled the air, one truth echoed louder than ever:
The future of global governance is not only multi-polar—it is deeply human.
