Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability: South Africa’s G20 and the rise of an Ubuntu lens

South Africa hosted the G20 with a level of discipline, clarity and steadiness that demonstrated the maturity of African leadership on the global stage. I was in Johannesburg during the summit and witnessed a country fully aware of its responsibility. Global figures arrived ready for rigorous engagement, and South Africa created an environment that allowed these discussions to move with focus. The presidency’s theme of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability aligned with the way the summit unfolded and reflected the continent’s priorities with precision.

Ubuntu offered an additional philosophical lens that brought a human-centred approach to global governance. South Africa did not present ubuntu as a decorative theme. It allowed it to shape the conduct of the forum. Ubuntu rests on the recognition that human dignity is shared and that decisions in one room echo far beyond it. It demands humility, respect and a sober understanding of interdependence. This was evident in Johannesburg. Delegates listened with care. Difficult issues were approached with calm. The summit gained a grounded tone that held its own without losing discipline. Ubuntu offered a stabilising influence at a time when global cooperation often feels strained.

The global environment is fragile. Trust in multilateral institutions is uneven, and several states are recalibrating their alliances. In this context, the level of U.S. representation drew attention, not as a criticism, but because it signalled uncertainty about the strength of multilateral engagement at a moment when global collaboration is essential. When a major power is not present at the highest level, it naturally raises questions about continuity, not commitment. South Africa handled this risk with composure. It reminded the world that effective leadership is not determined only by who attends, but by how the host guides the process. Johannesburg set the tone, and the world responded.

The substance of the summit reflected this steadiness. Debt reform, climate adaptation, food security and global financial stability were treated as structural issues that shape national futures. The debt conversation was unusually honest. Many countries, including several across Africa, carry obligations that limit their ability to govern, plan and invest. Debt is not only an economic burden. It is a constraint on sovereignty and reform. Addressing it requires political courage and coordinated action across continents. South Africa created the space for this to be said clearly.

Climate discussions carried similar depth. Africa experiences climate disruption every day. South Africa ensured this lived reality framed the conversation. Leaders acknowledged that climate resilience is tied to agriculture, economic planning and national security. Fair climate finance is essential to global stability because environmental disruption respects no borders. Stability in one region strengthens stability across the system. Johannesburg helped clarify this point.

Gender based violence was addressed with seriousness. GBV is not a peripheral concern. It is a challenge to governance, national stability and institutional legitimacy. A society cannot claim security while its women and girls remain unsafe. Recognising GBV as part of the wider peace and stability agenda strengthened the summit’s integrity and expanded its understanding of security.

Africa’s critical minerals featured prominently. The continent holds cobalt, copper, manganese, graphite, lithium and other minerals that power the global energy transition. These minerals underpin renewable energy, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing. Johannesburg created the space for a candid conversation about its strategic importance. The focus moved away from extraction and toward industrial participation, long-term value creation and strategic partnership. The energy transition depends on Africa’s minerals, and global cooperation must reflect that dependence.

The broader significance of this G20 lies in what it reveals about Africa’s evolving role in global affairs. The continent has demographic weight, mineral leverage and cultural influence. But influence requires clarity, coordination and institutional strength. This is where African institutions matter. The African Union provides political alignment. AfCFTA strengthens Africa’s economic position. Africa CDC reinforces health security and regional resilience. ECOWAS, SADC and the EAC create mechanisms for translating G20 commitments into national action. These institutions form the machinery through which Africa can turn global decisions into continental outcomes.

As the G20 presidency moves to the Global North, Africa must ensure its priorities remain in view. Debt reform, climate adaptation, food security and the development of mineral value chains will shape Africa’s future. They must stay firmly on the table. Sustained coordination across the AU, AfCFTA, Africa CDC and regional blocs will allow Africa to negotiate from a position of collective strength and coherent purpose.

South Africa demonstrated that global leadership can carry humanity without losing rigour. The world is searching for steadiness. An Ubuntu lens provided that steadiness. Africa’s task now is to maintain this clarity and approach. When Africa speaks with intention and collective purpose, global governance adjusts to the reality of its importance. Johannesburg made that clear.