South Africa Supports Nigeria’s G20 Bid, Eyes Lithium Reserves

South Africa has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s bid to join the G20, with President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighting the country as a “valued sister nation.” This announcement came during the launch of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town, just before Ramaphosa met with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to co-chair the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two nations.

In a statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that South Africa is not only backing Nigeria’s G20 membership but is also eyeing the country’s vast lithium reserves, crucial for the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry.

The G20, formed in 1999, is a key global forum for economic cooperation, bringing together 19 major economies and the European Union, collectively representing about 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population. The African Union was granted permanent membership in 2023, with South Africa and the AU being the only African representatives in the group.

Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s support for Nigeria’s membership is vital, as the G20 continues to address global challenges such as economic growth, financial stability, and climate change. He also called for greater African representation within the G20, asserting that the continent’s voice has long been underrepresented in global forums.

“As Africa’s population grows, we are set to become a major economic force,” Ramaphosa stated, adding that more African nations should join the G20 to ensure the continent’s concerns are heard on the world stage. South Africa’s role as the current G20 president strengthens its push for broader African inclusion in shaping global economic policies.