President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that South Africa will “keenly” assist Nigeria, “a valued sister country,” in its desire to join the G20 club of the world’s largest economies.
Ramaphosa made the commitment during the ceremonial inauguration of South Africa’s G20 presidency in Cape Town, just minutes before meeting President Tinubu at Tuynhuys to co-chair the 11th Bi-National Commission between Nigeria and South Africa on Tuesday.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stated this in a statement issued Wednesday captioned ‘South Africa eyes Nigeria’s lithium for electric car revolution, supports Nigeria’s aspiration to join G20.’
The South African leader underlined this view during his meeting with President Tinubu, and the enlarged meeting with officials of both countries at the BNC.
The G20, or Group of Twenty, is a leading international economic cooperation group that brings together the world’s main advanced and emerging nations.
Established in 1999, it consists of 19 individual nations and the European Union, accounting for around 85% of world GDP, 75% of international commerce, and two-thirds of the global population.
The African Union was given permanent membership in 2023. South Africa and the African Union are Africa’s only representatives in the G20.
G20 summits bring together heads of state, finance ministers, and central bank governors to stimulate debate and coordinated action.
The presidency is rotated annually among its members, with the host nation determining the agenda and goals for the year. South Africa presently holds the G20 presidency.
As a result, its support for Nigeria’s inclusion in the bloc is critical.
Ramaphosa stated that additional significant African countries should be invited to the club “so that we can raise our voices from Africa, the continent that has been neglected for the longest time.”
He added that South Africa was the only African voice in the G20 before to the African Union’s entrance last year after his nation advocated for its membership.
“We have a voice, we have a presence, and we will be the biggest growth story in years to come.
