SA will use G20 to look ahead to the African Union's 2063 agenda, says Lamola

JOHANNESBURG - International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola says South Africa will use its G20 Presidency to look ahead to the African Union's 2063 agenda.

The target is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse.

Several diplomats from G20 member states are meeting in Sandton this week for the bloc's first round of talks since South Africa assumed the Presidency earlier this month.

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South Africa is expected to put Africa’s challenges high on the agenda, including development, poverty, food security, and the high debt burden.

Lamola addressed G20 delegates on day one of the sherpa meetings on Monday.

"We all know that many countries, especially the developing world, are still recovering from the economic shock of COVID-19. Poverty and weak economic growth remain a challenge for many countries, especially in Africa and the developing world."

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Lamola said Agenda 2063 is important as Africa needs to revise and adapt its development agenda due to ongoing structural transformations.

"While international cooperation and multilateralism are currently confronted with divisive geopolitics, unprecedented challenges such as climate change, slow economic growth, and deepening poverty, the G20 must make strides in forging practical, mutually beneficial cooperation that champions an international order that is fairer, just, inclusive, and representative," he said.