This November, South Africa made history as the G20 summit landed on African soil for the first time 🚀. With the rotating presidency in Pretoria, the continent is centre stage — but is this a moment of prestige or a genuine turning point for Africa’s future?
Symbolic prestige vs. real change
Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, sees the summit’s prestige as a chance for Africa to “stand firm” and rewrite business rules. He highlights Africa’s rare earth minerals — the building blocks of AI and electric vehicles — and urges leaders to move beyond exporting raw materials. “This is our oil moment,” he says, pushing for local value addition and fair deals. 🌍⚙️
From high-level talks to concrete plans
Liu Baocheng, Director at the Center for International Business Ethics at the University of International Business and Economics, is optimistic but pragmatic. He outlines Africa’s top priorities: inclusive growth and jobs, food security, and AI-driven innovation for sustainable development. The challenge? Turning these goals into clear deliverables: restructured finance mechanisms, time-bound technology transfers, and investments that build local industries and long-term jobs. “Symbolism matters,” he notes, “but predictable financing and implementation structures really make it a turning point.” 💡📈
Solidarity, equality, sustainability — a theme debated
The summit’s motto, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” sparked mixed reactions. Fakude wanted a sharper focus on economic development and business ties, while Liu saw strong ties to the Chinese mainland’s push for equitable access to capital and tech, and its emphasis on infrastructure through the Belt and Road, now evolving into “small and beautiful” community projects. 🏗️🌱
The U.S. absence and a multipolar moment
With no U.S. President at the table, Fakude shrugged off any major impact, calling it “an imperialistic mentality” that Africa can outgrow. Liu called it a “pity, but not a surprise,” as Washington leans into protectionism. He believes this gap opens room for emerging powers to shape a multipolar world — though big reforms in debt and tech governance still need broad coordination. 🌐🔄
Where to go from here?
Both experts agree: Africa must seize this momentum. Fakude insists on united leadership and fair deals on critical minerals. Liu emphasizes building lasting influence through formal consultative processes, new finance channels, and durable mechanisms that lock in promises. If Africa can move from headline moments to institutionalized power, this G20 could be the start of a brand-new chapter. 📚✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
