South Africa backs Nigeria’s bid for G20 membership

South Africa has pledged its support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Tuesday.

Speaking during the launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of making the African voices heard on the global stage.

“Nigeria will be keenly supported by us,” Ramaphosa stated, noting the significant role South Africa has played as the continent’s sole representative in the group.

He also referenced the African Union’s recent success in securing a permanent G20 seat, a development South Africa had backed.

Nigeria formally expressed its desire to join the G20 during a ministerial session at the 11th bi-national commission between the two countries on Monday, where Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, sought South Africa’s backing.

South Africa officially assumed its presidency of the G20 on Sunday, and the president said his country’s G20 presidency comes at a time when the world is facing severe challenges.

As the new G20 chair, South Africa aims to tackle urgent global issues, from climate change and conflict to technological shifts.

“Working together with G20 members, and building partnerships across society, South Africa will seek to harness global will and capabilities to confront these challenges,” Ramaphosa said.

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Ramaphosa said that South Africa would use its presidency to address disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income nations, and mobilise finance for a just energy transition.