The Brian Lehrer Show The First G20 Summit on African Soil
Nov 19, 2025
Yinka Adegoke, Editor at Semafor Africa, delves into the significance of South Africa hosting the G20 summit. He discusses the implications of the U.S. boycott and China's absence, reflecting on how this affects South Africa's leadership image. Adegoke sheds light on the critical need for debt relief and the struggle of African nations facing high interest payments. He also highlights the importance of green financing and climate adaptation as Africa addresses rising climate challenges. A thought-provoking conversation on Africa's role in global discussions!
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Historic Summit Lost Some Shine
- South Africa used its G20 presidency to elevate Africa-specific issues like debt and just energy transition.
- The summit's historic symbolism diminished as the U.S. and Xi Jinping withdrew, reducing its global spotlight.
U.S. Boycott Tied To Broader Multilateral Skepticism
- The U.S. boycott reflects the Trump administration's broader skepticism of multilateral diplomacy.
- That stance combines ideological dislike of multilateralism with specific tensions between Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Farmer's Take On Emigration
- Yinka recounts talking with a white South African farmer who splits time farming in North Dakota and South Africa.
- The farmer said he prefers life in South Africa and has no plan to emigrate permanently to the U.S.