South Africa Steers The G20 through a fractured global order

This GPC Policy Brief analyzes South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency amidst growing geopolitical fragmentation and multilateral uncertainty. As the final country in a trio of successive Global South presidencies, South Africa aims to consolidate shared development priorities while managing rising tensions with major powers, especially the United States. The brief outlines South Africa’s key G20 priorities—ranging from debt sustainability and inclusive growth to critical minerals governance—and highlights its efforts to maintain diplomatic balance, foster strategic partnerships, and champion African and Global South perspectives. It concludes with practical recommendations for advancing reform, bridging divides among middle powers, and safeguarding the multilateral system.