SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Institutions: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) | NITI Aayog
India and South Africa are deepening their cooperation to ensure the priorities of the African continent are advanced within the G20. This partnership is a key function of the G20 Troika, as India (2024 Presidency), Brazil (2025 Presidency), and South Africa (incoming 2026 Presidency) work to ensure continuity of the G20 agenda.
A central pillar of this collaboration is building upon the historic inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent G20 member, a landmark outcome achieved during India’s 2024 presidency. Both nations share a focus on elevating the voice of the “Global South” and are jointly campaigning to address the unsustainable debt burden carried by many African and developing countries. India is actively supporting the AU’s Agenda 2063 by leveraging its experience in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and health partnerships, such as setting up an IIT offshore campus in Zanzibar to build a skilled workforce.
This partnership ensures the continuity of India’s 2024 G20 legacy, cementing its role as a leader of the Global South. By actively supporting South Africa’s incoming presidency and the AU’s integration, India is institutionalizing its vision for a more inclusive and equitable global economic governance structure, while simultaneously strengthening its bilateral and South-South cooperation.
What is the G20 Troika?→ The G20 Troika is a leadership mechanism that ensures continuity and consistency in the G20’s agenda by connecting the immediate past, current, and incoming presidencies. This three-member group—currently comprising India (2024), Brazil (2025), and South Africa (2026)—works together to manage the G20’s complex, multi-year objectives and ensure that priorities are handed over smoothly from one host country to the next.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can India best leverage its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) experience to support the African Union’s specific development goals during South Africa’s G20 Presidency?
Follow the full news here: https://g20.org/track-news/sa-and-india-deepen-cooperation-to-advance-africa-in-g20/