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.

The Group of 20 has sufficient “shock absorbers” to function effectively if the incoming Donald Trump administration promotes an America First policy at the expense of international cooperation, South Africa's leader said Tuesday as his country took over the bloc's presidency.

South Africa takes over the G20 presidency on Sunday, the first African country to lead the forum, though its focus on issues such as inclusive growth and climate change risks bumping up against the hard reality of trade wars and diplomatic tensions.

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),

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.

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

South Africa will support Nigeria in becoming a member of the G20, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Tuesday during the official launch of his country’s presidency of the G20 in Cape Town. This is the first time that an African country will lead a group of powerful nations on a yearly rotational basis.

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