South Africa says it will use its presidency of the G20 – the first by an African nation – to put the priorities of the African continent onto the agenda of the powerful global economic forum.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Group of 20 bloc has sufficient “shock absorbers” to function effectively if a Donald Trump administration promotes an America First policy at the expense of international cooperation.

South Africa's G20 presidency next year will focus on mobilising finance for nations stricken by climate-induced disasters and extending debt relief for developing countries, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the world’s premier economic forum, the G20, from Brazil. The G20 presidency operates on a troika system made up of the current, previous and next holders.

South Africa will assume the presidency of the G20, a pivotal moment in the African country’s international diplomatic efforts. The Group of Twenty (G20), is an intergovernmental economic forum comprising 19 countries and two regional unions – the European Union (EU),

The focus would also be on Africa’s high debt levels, financing the just energy transition and the strategic use of critical minerals

Together, G20 members account for around 85 percent of global gross domestic product and 75 percent of international trade.