Solidarity, equality, sustainability: these are the three guidelines for the opening of the G20 in Johannesburg, South Africa. A historic edition – despite the US tariffs remaining – because for the first time an African country hosted the forum that brought together twenty countries with the world’s largest economies. And Italy, which has made strengthening relations with Africa one of the cornerstones of its foreign policy, is ready to play an active role, also reaffirming its stance on the management of migration flows and the fight against people smugglers.
There Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will be in Johannesburg tomorrow November 22 and Sunday 23 to participate in G20 activities under the leadership of South Africa, which symbolically ends the cycle of leadership of Southern Countries inaugurated by Indonesia, India and Brazil. A context that Italy must pay particular attention to, in line with its strategy of consolidating relations with the continent and with the commitments leading to the entry of the African Union into the G20.
Who participates
The format chosen by South Africa was highly inclusive, with the presence of around fifteen invited countries (including Nigeria, Egypt, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore and Spain) and a number of regional and international organizations. The three G20 sessions will each address global economic growth, the energy transition and the fight against climate change, and ultimately address emerging themes: from artificial intelligence to essential minerals, to new global inequalities. South Africa’s presidential priorities include debt issues, food security and reducing risks related to natural disasters. Regarding debt, Italian sources underscored the intention to relaunch the African debt conversion initiative, proposed jointly with the European Commission. In terms of food security, Italy supports strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems; Meanwhile, on the topic of natural disasters, this conference recognizes the transnational nature of a problem that has had a devastating impact on the African continent.
Use absent, because
The White House ends the controversy over the United States’ participation in the G20 in South Africa. Following statements by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa – who spoke about the possibility of America rethinking its presence at the Johannesburg summit – a US government spokesman stepped in to put the matter to rest definitively: The US will not take part in the process.
Just days ago, President Donald Trump announced his intention to “boycott” the meeting, accusing South Africa of committing “genocide” against Afrikaners and declaring that no US representatives would attend.
But today, Ramaphosa has hinted at a possible change of direction on Washington’s part: “We have received communications from the United States, which we are still discussing with them, regarding a rethink regarding participation in one form or another at the summit.” But a clear rebuttal came from Washington. “The United States is not participating in formal G20 negotiations in South Africa,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters. America’s absence, which will cause a stir ahead of the first G20, hosted by an African country.
EU-African Union Summit
In line with the G20, Italy is also paying close attention to the EU-African Union summit scheduled in Luanda, Angola, on November 24 and 25. The issue of migration will be one of the central themes and, according to diplomatic sources from Rome, Europe’s approach will continue to be based on a combination of legal entry routes and the fight against illegal human trafficking networks, an approach currently adhered to by the majority of member states. Regarding the Global Gateway, a number of points of convergence with the Mattei Plan have been confirmed, in particular the Lobito Corridor, a major infrastructure project aimed at connecting Africa from west to east, supported by joint investment by Italy and the European Union. On the sidelines of the Luanda Summit, an economic event is planned to encourage the participation of European companies in the continent’s development projects.
Ukraine problem in the background
The Ukraine issue is still in the background of the G20. Currently, no specific European coordination on the topic is planned, although it may be evaluated in the next few hours. Italy confirmed its political, military and energy support for Kiev. The two are working on the 12th sanctions package against Russia and the next sanctions package associated with the next military package is at an advanced stage, while the collection of energy equipment requested by Ukraine in connection with the winter season continues. It is unlikely that the G20 will produce any significant breakthrough on the document, even if the meeting could encourage marginal contact among leaders. As for the US peace plan, Rome will examine it when it is officially presented, explained those who follow the document. Additionally, as in many other NATO countries, membership in the Purl program for the purchase of US arms destined for Kiev is still under evaluation. However, the same source stated that this reflection did not have any impact on the commitments in favor of Ukraine, which continue on a consolidated basis.
In the G20 conclusions – the South African presidency is working on an “overall” text and is not divided by topic – Italy expects the inclusion of several topics it considers important: migration, with a balance between fighting traffickers and legal recourse; technological neutrality in the energy transition; critical mineral management; human-centered artificial intelligence, in line with the work done during Italy’s chairmanship of the G7; and a renewed international financial architecture oriented towards African development. Finally, technical work on the debt conversion of African countries continues: a complex process that requires bilateral negotiations with each beneficiary country and, in some cases, approval from the respective parliaments. In addition, several bilateral meetings of Prime Minister Meloni are planned, distributed between the G20 and the EU-AU summit. (from correspondent Antonio Atte)
