The Think 20 (T20) Africa High-Level Dialogue took place in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing together policymakers, think tank representatives, academics, and international partners to advance African perspectives within the Group of Twenty (G20) and other international policy bodies.
The T20 seeks to ensure that Africa's voice is not only heard, but integrated into the G20's working agenda, serving as a vital platform for shaping the African continent's influence in global governance.
Key themes included leveraging the continent's young population, promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and addressing systemic challenges such as unemployment.
On the sidelines of the two-day conference, Alvin Botes, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, stressed the importance of unlocking Africa's full potential for boosting global development, including the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"The G20 Presidency of South Africa comes amidst the realization that only 17 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals has been achieved, and it should be worrisome given the fact that we have only five years left towards the attainment of the SDGs in 2030. So we should be concerned about that issue. So indeed, any trade package that obviously does not seek to harness the African potential will obviously have a negative consequence on our own economic fortunes. I think South Africa has always subscribed to the fact that you need both your developing South and your more industrialized North for us to, you know, ensure the economic dividends of South Africa and the African continent are able to be harnessed." he said.
The dialogue was organized by the South African Institute of International Affairs, the Institute for Global Dialogue, the University of Johannesburg's Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation, and the African Union Development Agency.
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, which will run through November 2025. The T20 is an official G20 engagement group that brings together think tanks and research institutions from G20 members, guest countries, and organizations.
T20 Africa High-level Dialogue takes place in Pretoria
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
