President Cyril Ramaphosa says the G20 Leaders' Summit held in Johannesburg over the weekend "reached agreements that will benefit every South African."
This is because South Africa "prioritised issues that are important for advancing more rapid and inclusive growth in our own country," he wrote in his weekly newsletter on Monday (24 November).
This was the first G20 summit held in Africa. It adopted a declaration by consensus despite attempts by the Trump administration to pressure South Africa against pushing for it.
"While some have sought to create division and polarisation between nations, we have reinforced our shared humanity. We have fostered collaboration and goodwill. Above all, we have affirmed that our shared goals outweigh our differences," Ramaphosa said.
The President said the G20 is important for South Africa's growth and job creation efforts. One of the key commitments it secured from the international community is to address the high levels of debt in developing economies.
This debt diverts spending by such economies, including South Africa, on infrastructure, health and education. "We placed this issue firmly on the agenda to increase investment on the continent and seize the unique opportunity that Africa presents," he said.
G20 leaders also agreed on the need for increased global investment for climate action. "This will be crucial for South Africa as we undertake a just energy transition to a low carbon economy in a manner that protects workers, businesses and communities," noted Ramaphosa.
In recent years, the country has experienced serious natural disasters such as floods in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The G20 thus agreed "on the need for scaled up disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction."
On critical minerals, Ramaphosa said South Africa secured international agreement "on a new approach" so that these minerals "become a source of prosperity and sustainable development in the countries that produce them."
"This supports our own ambition to use our extensive endowment of minerals to become a leading global player, while ensuring that beneficiation takes place in South Africa and creates jobs in mining areas," he added.
He stated that this has been "the People's G20" because it has "given new prominence to engagement groups from across global society." He thanked everyone who made it a success, including "each and every South African"
"The success of the G20 Leader's Summit, together with the improving performance of our economy and growing confidence in our reform programme, shows that South Africa is a country on the rise," the President concluded.