South Africa's G20 presidency next year will focus on mobilising finance for nations stricken by climate-induced disasters and extending debt relief for developing countries, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Group of 20 bloc has sufficient “shock absorbers” to function effectively if a Donald Trump administration promotes an America First policy at the expense of international cooperation.

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the world’s premier economic forum, the G20, from Brazil. The G20 presidency operates on a troika system made up of the current, previous and next holders.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged South Africa’s G20 presidency will drive equality, sustainability, development for Africa, the Global South.

South Africa will assume the presidency of the G20, a pivotal moment in the African country’s international diplomatic efforts. The Group of Twenty (G20), is an intergovernmental economic forum comprising 19 countries and two regional unions – the European Union (EU),

South Africa will support Nigeria in becoming a member of the G20, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Tuesday during the official launch of his country’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town. This is the first time that an African country will lead a group of powerful nations on a yearly rotational basis.

The focus would also be on Africa’s high debt levels, financing the just energy transition and the strategic use of critical minerals

South Africa has officially taken the reins of the G20 Presidency, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined some of the country’s key priorities.

South Africa takes over the G20 presidency on Sunday, the first African country to lead the forum, though its focus on issues such as inclusive growth and climate change risks bumping up against the hard reality of trade wars and diplomatic tensions.

This week marks the inauguration of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, making it the first African country to assume this role. Assuming the presidency from Brazil, the summit will bring together the leaders of the G20 countries, African Union and European Union to address the most important challenges facing the world today.