Nokukhanya Mntambo11 December 2024 | 7:35

SA's G20 Sherpa Zane Dangor says concerns about Trump's administration not top of agenda

The G20 Sherpa Track met for a second day in Sandton on Tuesday, after deliberating on issues expected to take centre stage during SA’s presidency.

SA's G20 Sherpa Zane Dangor says concerns about Trump's administration not top of agenda

Donald Trump / Wikimedia Commons: Gage Skidmore

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, Zane Dangor says concerns about United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump’s administration have not dominated talks, as diplomats meet for the first time on home soil.

The G20 Sherpa Track met for a second day in Sandton on Tuesday, after deliberating on issues expected to take centre stage during SA’s presidency.

While economic growth, climate change, and finance solutions for the Just Energy Transition are among big-ticket items on the agenda, geopolitical conflicts and trade wars have also sparked some concerns.

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Trump’s return to the Oval Office is expected to cause a shake-up in the global economy and politics, with fears that Africa will get the short end of the stick.

In addition to threats of imposing higher tariffs on China and Mexico, the BRICS bloc of emerging economies may also face tougher trade policies.

There are also concerns that Trump will reverse gains made to address climate issues.

Zangor said it was too early to tell what the impact of Trump’s administration would mean for global cooperation.

“We will be able to see after January 20 and perhaps in the months to come after that.”

But he said, for now, the climate change agenda remains on track.

“In fact, there was a suggestion that we need to delve deeper into climate change, delve deeper into the issues of financing of a just transition, so really positive outcomes from the G20 and at this stage, supported strongly by the US.”

After the sherpa wrapped up its work on Tuesday, the G20 finance track is expected to meet on Wednesday.