A Historic First and a New Global Agenda
Change is coming on the international stage, and Africa is proving itself to be a central player.
100 days from now, South Africa will be hosting the G20: one of the most influential international forums. This is generating a lot of attention, and for good reason. It will be the first ever G20 chaired by an African Member State, and we can expect it to mark a big shift in powerful conversations. Canada cannot let this moment fall through the cracks.
What is the G20?
According to the OECD, the G20, or the Group of 20, is the premier forum for global economic cooperation. It brings together 19 individual Member States plus the European Union, thus representing around 80% of the world’s population. Compared to the G7, the G20 is a broader group with wider participation. But that does not make it any less significant. In fact, this year, the G20 is the one to watch.
In a geopolitical context characterized by uncertainty, finding a way to work together has never been more crucial. As a more representative and inclusive space, the G20 is the perfect forum to do just that. And this year’s summit in particular is poised to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the conversation.
Turning the spotlight to Africa
South Africa has made it clear to world leaders about Africa’s needs on the world stage, and they are poised to bring the same energy at the G20. We can expect a number of core issues faced by the continent to be central on the agenda.
One pressing example is debt. Most African countries do not have a problem of too much debt, but rather debt that is too expensive. Because of Africa’s unfair borrowing costs, many countries on the continent spend more on debt and interest than they can invest in infrastructure, education, or health. This is the result of deep-rooted systemic barriers that the whole international community will be responsible for restructuring.
The South African G20 presidency also aims to bring up tech, specifically digital public infrastructure (DPI) and Artificial Intelligence. These are both expected to become huge catalysts of development on the continent, so international deliberation will be crucial in maximizing their potential.
As the most recent president of the G7, Canada has highlighted the importance of harnessing critical minerals in order to create reliable and resilient global supply chains. Similarly, South Africa has also set a goal to develop a strategy around critical minerals that is less extractive than the current model and delivers real benefits to the continent. This alignment in priorities presents real opportunity for synergetic, innovative and cost-efficient action at the G20.
Bringing issues like these to an international forum is a crucial signal. The G20 is shining a spotlight, and Africa is stepping into it.
The Call for Canada: Promoting Partnership
Our world is becoming increasingly inter-connected, requiring more coordinated efforts for everyone’s benefit. This is what makes this year’s G20 so important, particularly by bringing African concerns to the forefront.
Focusing on issues closely affecting the global south, especially Africa, ensures a pivot in international conversations from individual priorities to global cooperation. While many powerful players retreat from their commitments to the international community, regions like Africa are being faced with new challenges that will require group efforts to overcome. And the African continent, as a growing demographic center, will get to demonstrate it is equipped lead these solutions.
This G20 is creating the space for Africa to spearhead strategic solutions that will give African countries the agency, power, and capacity to craft their own growth and prosperity; solutions that empower individual countries while proving international cooperation still has a role in shaping the future.
These shifts are happening with or without our participation. It is crucial that Canada is an active player in pioneering this revolutionary work.
In 100 days, Canada will have the opportunity to be the leader the world needs. By helping amplify Africa’s voice at the G20, we can mark a new era for international collaboration. As the African continent rises in economic power, breaking down barriers for its development through mutually beneficial partnerships will bring lasting returns into the future.
This historic G20 summit sends a critical message: Africa is stepping up to the plate. Canada can either move forward as a partner, or continue to fall behind.
In Summary: What You Need to Know
Q: What makes this G20 different?
A: For the first time ever, an African country—South Africa—is chairing the G20. This changes both the tone and the agenda, putting Africa’s priorities in the spotlight.
Q: Why does Africa’s leadership matter?
A: Africa brings fresh urgency and new ideas to global challenges like debt reform, digital infrastructure, and sustainable development. These are not side issues: they are central to global progress.
Q: Where does Canada fit in?
A: Canada can align with Africa’s priorities to drive meaningful change. Shared interests in innovation, minerals, and inclusive growth create real openings for partnership.
Q: What’s the call to action?
A: Canada must step forward as a committed partner, supporting African leadership, championing fair systems, and investing in long-term, African-led solutions.
Q: What are South Africa’s Priorities at the G20
A: Under South Africa’s leadership, Africa’s biggest issues will finally be front and center:
1. Debt Reform
Africa’s challenge is not the amount of debt, but the cost of borrowing. Many African countries face interest rates so high they are forced to spend more on debt servicing than on healthcare, infrastructure, or education. This is not just unjust. It is unsustainable. Systemic reform is urgently needed, and the G20 is the place to demand it.
2. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI
Africa is ready to leap ahead in digital innovation. South Africa plans to prioritize digital tools and AI as drivers of inclusive growth, transparency, and development. International cooperation and investment in this space will pay long-term dividends.
3. Critical Minerals and Sustainable Growth
Canada and South Africa share a commitment to unlocking the power of critical minerals. But Africa is calling for a shift, one that moves beyond extraction to value-added industries, job creation, and economic sovereignty. This shared goal creates a window for partnership and innovation.
