Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa officially closed the G20 Leaders’ Summit South Africa 2025, delivering a powerful and unifying address that celebrated Africa’s historic role as host and underscored the urgent need for global cooperation to confront shared challenges.
Speaking at the Johannesburg EXPO Centre, Ramaphosa reflected on a year of preparations and global engagements that culminated in the first-ever G20 Summit held on African soil. He said South Africa was “honoured and humbled” to lead the world’s most influential economic forum, emphasising that the continent’s economic rise and development priorities had been placed firmly at the centre of the global agenda.
🌍 Africa’s Century and Global Interconnectedness
Ramaphosa told world leaders that the “greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa,” adding that meaningful progress would require a strong relationship between Africa and the G20 and strengthened cooperation across the international system.
He called for an end to global conflicts and urged leaders to commit to a “just, comprehensive and lasting peace”, noting that instability and inequality are major obstacles to development.
🌐 Debt, Inequality and Development at the Core of the Summit
Highlighting the global economic headwinds facing developing nations, Ramaphosa warned that the G20 has a responsibility to address the “major obstacles” standing in the way of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
He welcomed the G20’s commitment to support low- and middle-income countries confronting debt vulnerabilities, arguing that sustainable development depends on reducing debt burdens and unlocking investment for inclusive economic growth.
“When we become more successful, all of us, then the whole world becomes successful,” he said.
🌱 Climate Action and Disaster Resilience
Ramaphosa underscored the importance of climate justice, saying climate-induced disasters “spare no country,” yet hit the poorest nations hardest.
He highlighted South Africa’s leadership in promoting investment in disaster risk reduction and called for scaled-up global support for post-disaster reconstruction.
The President also welcomed progress on the Just Energy Transition and the G20’s pledge to strengthen multilateral development banks, unlock private capital and boost the quality and quantity of climate finance available to developing countries. He reaffirmed support for the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, designed to ensure that critical resources advance sustainable development.
📘 G20 at 20: Reform and Renewal
Ramaphosa noted that South Africa’s Presidency coincided with the end of the first cycle of G20 Presidencies since the forum was elevated to a Leaders’ Summit.
He confirmed that the G20 at-20 Review, requested at the 2024 Rio Summit, had been completed and would serve as “a helpful guide” to ensure the G20 remains effective and fit for purpose.
He reaffirmed South Africa’s belief that the G20 must “act boldly and act together” to build a world of inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development.
📄 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration: More Than Words
Ramaphosa hailed the adoption of the G20 South Africa Leaders’ Declaration as a demonstration of the value of the G20 as a platform for joint action.
He said the Declaration represents a commitment to concrete actions that will “improve the lives of people in every part of the world,” reaffirming the group’s dedication to multilateral cooperation and shared global goals.
“We have laid the foundation of solidarity,” he said. “Now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity.”
🕊️ A Call for Unity and Shared Humanity
Ramaphosa urged leaders to confront global challenges through partnership and a renewed sense of common humanity, saying:
“Through partnerships across society and by remembering our common humanity, we can create a more secure, a more just and a more prosperous world. And together, we can ensure that no one is left behind.”
🔨 Gavel Down: South Africa Hands the G20 Presidency to the United States
In closing the Summit, Ramaphosa formally handed over the G20 Presidency to the United States, which will host the next Summit in 2026.
With the symbolic lowering of the gavel, he declared:
“The Summit is therefore closed.”