Group of 20 finance officials meet in South Africa from Thursday amid trade tensions, a global economic slowdown and Washington's threat to withdraw from multilateral organisations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has sought to leverage Africa's first G20 presidency to promote an African agenda,

This is not only a strategic investment — it is one that can boost growth, create business opportunities, and reduce pressure on public budgets in key member states,” said Klingbeil.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the meeting altogether, opting to head to Japan instead, according to Reuters. South Africa is also subject to a new 30% tariff rate, the only country in sub-Saharan Africa to be singled out in the latest round of announcements.

South Africa should join others at the G20 to support universal social protection systems, and not means-tested systems that base eligibility for support on income, ...

In opening remarks, South Africa's Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the G20 must provide strategic global leadership, cooperation and action in the face of complex challenges.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not attend the two-day meeting in the port city of Durban, continuing a string of snubs by Trump administration officials.

Addressing leaders at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings, the SARB Governor highlighted the systemic risks posed by the insurance gap.

DURBAN (Reuters) -G20 finance chiefs agreed a communique on Friday that underscored the importance of central bank independence and the role of the World Trade Organisation in advancing trade issues.