After taking over from Brazil on Sunday, South Africa chose the theme "Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability" for its G20 presidency. Speaking in Cape Town at the launch event, Ramaphosa expressed concern that geopolitical instability, conflicts and wars continue to cause widespread hardship and suffering worldwide.

South Africa says it will use its presidency of the G20 – the first by an African nation – to put the priorities of the African continent onto the agenda of the powerful global economic forum.

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 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 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.

Together, G20 members account for around 85 percent of global gross domestic product and 75 percent of international trade.