South Africa’s (SA) President Cyril Ramaphosa officially closed the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg with a firm call for unity, global cooperation and a renewed commitment to the priorities of Africa and the developing world.
He thanked member states for their “steadfast support throughout SA’s G20 Presidency,” saying this collective effort had reaffirmed the G20 as the premier forum for international economic co-operation.
Ramaphosa emphasised the historic significance of hosting the G20 on African soil for the first time, noting that SA had worked to “place Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda.” He said the continent holds “the greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century,” and that unlocking this potential requires deeper partnerships between Africa and the global community.
Addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, Ramaphosa highlighted growing debt vulnerabilities, climate change and rising inequality. “We must create a virtuous cycle of reduced debt, higher public investment and more rapid, inclusive economic growth,” he said, adding that climate-induced disasters demand scaled-up global support for reconstruction and resilience.
Ramaphosa concluded by urging world leaders to continue working collectively beyond the summit. “We have laid the foundation of solidarity; now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity,” he said. “Through partnership and our shared humanity, we can create a more secure, more just and more prosperous world.”
–ChannelAfrica–
