The ministerial summit in Johannesburg, to be held from February 20 to 22, 2025, will be a test of Africa's ability to mediate conflicts and promote agendas such as sustainable development and equity. The absence of the US, however, casts a huge shadow over multilateral dialogue.

Marco Rubio, head of US diplomacy, justified the boycott by stating:

"Africa is doing very bad things.”

The statement reflects geopolitical fissures, while South Africa advocates for bridges between the South and the North, according to Minister Ronald Lamola.

South African Presidency

South Africa joins the G20 with a focus on climate, economic growth, and social justice. The country prioritizes the 2030 Agenda, pushing for climate adaptation financing for poor nations, those most affected by natural disasters due to global warming.

The troika (Brazil, South Africa, and the United States) faces several challenges. The US's absence from ministerial meetings weakens cooperation, especially on issues such as reforms of international financial institutions, which are critical to solving Africa's problems.

The South African presidency also seeks to expand the space for the African Union (AU), which has been part of the G20 since 2023.

“It is an opportunity to defend the development of the South.”

Minister Ronald Lamola stated, highlighting the need for technological partnerships to combat hunger.

Several critics, however, point out the contradictions. Aligning with Russia in UN votes and the complaint against Israel at the Hague Tribunal are creating divisions, highlighted by Marco Rubio's protest.

Tensions and Geopolitics

The meeting takes place against a backdrop of instability: the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Trump's trade threats, and the US-China rivalry. The presence of Sergei Lavrov (Russia) and Wang Yi (China) contrasts with the US delegation, which is without any major representatives.

Trump's decision to resume bilateral talks with Moscow, bypassing the G20, signals his disdain for multilateral forums. Meanwhile, the EU, represented by Kaja Kallas, is trying to balance support for Kyiv with clean energy partnerships in Africa.

The accusation of "anti-Americanism" against Pretoria also worsens relations. Marco Rubio criticized land expropriation in South Africa, a policy the government defends as historical reparations after the apartheid era.

For several analysts, the US boycott reflects a strategy to marginalize the agendas of the Global South.

“It is an attempt to weaken proposals for solidarity between developing countries,” observed an African diplomat.

Conclusion

The G20 summit in Africa symbolizes progress in the continent's representation, but it also exposes fractures in the international system. South Africa's mediation capacity will be crucial to prevent the collapse of North-South dialogue.

The challenge remains: how to harmonize divergent interests in a polarized world. Africa's response, centered on climate and equity, could define the legacy of this historic presidency.