G20 Presidency as a Platform
On September 15, 2025, policy analysts highlighted South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency as a strategic opportunity to influence global debates on critical-minerals governance. As one of the continent’s most established mining economies, South Africa is positioning itself not only as a supplier but also as a rule-setter in the fast-evolving landscape of minerals essential for clean energy and advanced technologies. The presidency is expected to place issues like transparency, equitable value chains, and African agency on the G20 agenda.
Linking Domestic and Global Priorities
For Pretoria, leveraging the G20 presidency means connecting its domestic mining policy with global conversations on supply-chain resilience and just transition. South Africa has long argued that resource-rich countries should capture greater value through local processing and regional integration, rather than exporting raw minerals. By aligning these priorities with global calls for responsible sourcing, South Africa seeks to amplify African perspectives in forums often dominated by consumer nations and major corporations.
Implications for Critical-Minerals Governance
If successful, South Africa’s presidency could help shape norms around fair pricing, ESG standards, and investment in producer countries, setting precedents that affect the entire critical-minerals market. However, challenges remain: balancing national interests with continental representation, ensuring policy coherence at home, and navigating G20 dynamics where the U.S., China, and EU compete for influence. The broader significance lies in whether Africa, through South Africa, can transition from being seen as a mere supplier to a true co-architect of global critical-minerals governance.