G20 leaders concluded their first summit on African soil in South Africa, endorsing a declaration addressing critical minerals and climate change. The summit, themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” brought together 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, representing 85 percent of global GDP.
Delegates pledged to safeguard critical mineral supply chains from disruption caused by geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, pandemics, or natural disasters. These minerals, abundant in Africa, are vital for green energy, electronics, solar panels, and electric vehicles powering the global energy transition.
China’s dominant role in critical mineral production sparked concern among industrialised democracies seeking diversified, resilient global supply chains. The declaration urged increased exploration in developing countries, aiming to transform resources into economic development rather than mere raw exports.
Global conflicts also drew attention, with leaders calling for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, and Palestine. The document urged nations to respect sovereignty and refrain from using force, while sideline talks addressed a US proposal on Ukraine favoring Russia.
South Africa spotlighted inequality, commissioning a report and supporting an international panel to examine wealth disparities and global financial reforms. Leaders stressed debt relief for low-income nations to protect infrastructure, healthcare, education, and disaster resilience, calling for lender transparency and IMF review.
The declaration encouraged global minimum taxes, though language on taxing billionaires was less forceful than previous commitments in Rio de Janeiro. Climate change action gained urgency, coinciding with COP30 in Brazil, with calls to scale climate finance from billions to trillions worldwide.
Access to energy, especially in Africa, must be expanded and investments diversified, including early warning systems for climate-related disasters in vulnerable regions. Despite strong finance commitments, the text did not call for a fossil fuel phaseout, leaving the energy transition’s pace largely undefined. The G20 summit showcased Africa’s growing strategic role, balancing economic, environmental, and geopolitical priorities amidst a fractious global landscape.