South Africa - Recent Officials and experts in South Africa, host of the 2025 G20 summit, have expressed expectations that the event will promote sustainable development and poverty reduction among Global South countries.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has officially handed over the G20 Presidency to South Africa. South Africa becomes the first African nation to lead the global economic group.

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Africa officially becomes the first country from the African continent to chair the G20, after receiving the leadership position of the group from Brazil at the G20 High-Level Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Tuesday.

Presidency more inclusive, a vibrant and dynamic African leadership style that emphasises participation, consultation and the common good must be embraced.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva closed the Group of 20 summit on Tuesday and handed over the presidency to South Africa. (AP/Lucas Dumphreys)

South Africa will use its G20 presidency to focus on advancing inclusive economic growth, food security and artificial intelligence, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday at a summit of the Group of 20 major economies in Brazil.

As South Africa is set to assume the G20 presidency, president Cyril Ramaphosa says the country will prioritise food security and economic growth. READ: Ramaphosa warns of more wars if UN is not reformed Delivering his statement at the G20 Leaders Summit in Brazil,

According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people are currently living in extreme poverty and the Sub-Saharan Africa region accounts for 67% of these people.