G20 Summit I African, Global south priorities top agenda

The article covers the historic G20 summit hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg, marking the first time the event has been held on the African continent and granting the African Union a permanent seat, symbolizing Africa's growing role in global decision-making. Occurring amid global calls to address poverty, inequality, climate change, and mounting debt burdens in developing economies, the summit focused on economic regulation, climate action, and multilateral cooperation rather than geopolitical crises. South Africa received praise for its organization and for reviving multilateralism in a tense geopolitical environment, with leaders commending Johannesburg's hospitality and the event's backdrop. Key discussions consolidated progress on debt restructuring and emphasized transformative partnerships for disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, food security, accessible finance, and technology transfer. Namibia highlighted its efforts to overhaul its food system by reducing import dependence through enhanced domestic production, irrigation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Despite the U.S. boycotting the summit, a symbolic handover of the G20 presidency baton occurred to a U.S. representative, ensuring continuity as the U.S. assumes the chairmanship. The summit concluded with a widely accepted declaration by major G20 members, signaling commitment to implementing global changes. Reported by Kylie Kumano of SABC News from Johannesburg.