Your cart is currently empty!
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Canada ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 G7 Summit, which is scheduled to begin on Monday. His presence at the summit underscores South Africa’s ongoing commitment to engaging with the world’s leading economies and advocating for stronger African representation in global decision-making.
With a clear objective in mind, Ramaphosa plans to use the G7 platform to rally global support for the formal inclusion of African nations in key international forums. As one of Africa’s most prominent political figures, Ramaphosa continues to champion the continent’s interests, striving to ensure that African voices are not only heard but actively considered in shaping the world’s economic and political future.
Since becoming president in 2018, Cyril Ramaphosa has attended nearly every G7 Summit as an invited guest, missing only the 2023 meeting held in Japan. Over the years, Ramaphosa has positioned himself as a strategic global player, intent on forging partnerships that benefit not only South Africa but also the broader African continent.
President Ramaphosa’S Vision: Africa at the Global Decision-Making Table
This year’s summit in Canada, hosted in Alberta, is expected to focus heavily on energy security—a topic of critical importance to both developed and developing nations. Ramaphosa’s participation comes at a time when African countries are increasingly calling for a seat at the table of global superpowers, emphasizing their growing relevance in global supply chains, energy production, and geopolitical affairs.
Ramaphosa has made it clear that part of his mission is to ensure African states are recognised as equal partners in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
President Ramaphosa’s first major engagement in Canada will be at the G7 Summit’s Outreach Session, which traditionally allows non-G7 nations to contribute to the summit’s broader agenda. This session is designed to promote multilateral dialogue and foster cooperation between member states and global partners.
Ramaphosa is expected to use the session to advocate for deeper bilateral ties, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, climate change mitigation, and infrastructure development. His outreach will also serve to advance South Africa’s upcoming role as chair of the G20, with the Leaders’ Summit set to take place in Johannesburg in November.
During the Outreach Session, Ramaphosa will likely highlight the interconnectedness of African and global economic security, especially in the context of critical minerals, sustainable energy, and the digital economy—areas where Africa holds substantial untapped potential.
Just days before the summit, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed a phone call with Ramaphosa in which the two leaders reaffirmed their shared priorities. Their conversation covered key issues such as climate resilience, wildfire management, artificial intelligence, critical mineral supply chains, and energy transition.
This discussion not only reflects Canada’s growing interest in African partnerships but also highlights Ramaphosa’s diplomatic efforts to position South Africa as a gateway to the continent. By strengthening ties with G7 members, particularly Canada, South Africa hopes to unlock new economic opportunities while promoting regional development goals.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has joined Ramaphosa’s delegation, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and multilateral engagement in South Africa’s foreign policy strategy.
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit later this year, Ramaphosa is using the G7 gathering as a springboard to build momentum for Africa’s leadership in global governance. His attendance at the summit provides an opportunity to lay the groundwork for collaboration on G20 themes such as inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, digital transformation, and climate finance.
In past G7 appearances, President Ramaphosa has consistently pushed for reforms in global financial institutions and fairer trade practices that would allow African countries to better integrate into the global economy. This year is no different, as he continues to seek allies among the G7 to support these long-standing goals.
President Ramaphosa’s participation in the 2025 G7 Summit is more than ceremonial—it is a deliberate effort to shift Africa from the periphery of global decision-making to a central, influential position. Through diplomatic engagement, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking leadership,President Ramaphosa is paving the way for a more inclusive international system.
As energy, innovation, and cooperation take center stage at this year’s G7, President Ramaphosa is ensuring that South Africa—and Africa at large—is not left behind in shaping the global agenda.
Source- EWN