Earlier this month, for the first time in its history, the G20 Leaders’ Summit convened on African soil, with South Africa holding the rotating presidency. This landmark moment has thrust the continent into the global spotlight, raising a pivotal question: can Africa turn this prestige into real progress?
Symbolic Prestige vs. Tangible Outcomes
Thembisa Fakude, Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, highlights the event’s symbolic power but warns that non-binding communiqués must give way to real-world gains. He sees an opportunity for Africa to dictate new terms—especially around its vast rare earth mineral reserves—and move from exporting raw materials to local beneficiation and value addition.
From Rhetoric to Results
Professor Liu Baocheng of the University of International Business and Economics outlines Africa’s top three summit priorities:
- Inclusive economic growth, industrialization, and employment
- Food security
- Artificial intelligence and innovation for sustainable development
He argues for concrete deliverables: restructured finance mechanisms with clear timelines, time-bound technology transfer pledges, and investment initiatives that prioritize local value creation over short-term extraction.
Debating a Common Theme
The summit’s motto, Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, sparked varying takes. Fakude called for a sharper focus on economic development and business cooperation, while Professor Liu saw alignment with China’s push for equitable capital access and the evolution of the Belt and Road Initiative toward smaller, community-centered projects.
The U.S. Absence and a Multipolar Moment
The absence of the U.S. President underscored shifting global dynamics. Fakude viewed it as an invitation for Africa to deepen ties with diverse partners, and Professor Liu suggested emerging powers may now drive alternative agendas, accelerating a multipolar narrative.
Next Steps for Africa
Both experts agree Africa must seize this turning point. Fakude urges unity and firm, educated negotiations on rare earth minerals: "This is our oil moment." Professor Liu calls for institutionalized influence—embedding Africa’s voice in new finance windows and consultative mechanisms to co-author solutions.
Moving from symbolism to structure could define whether this summit becomes a genuine milestone in Africa’s development story.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
