Kananaskis, Canada – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has positioned the country as a bridge between the Global South and the world’s most advanced economies, emphasizing South Africa’s strategic intent to deepen cooperation with the Group of Seven (G7) during this year’s Outreach Session in Canada.

Speaking at the summit hosted in Kananaskis, Alberta, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to global collaboration on key issues such as investment, international crime, climate change, critical mineral supply chains, and inclusive economic growth.

“South Africa views the G7 as a strategic partner. We seek greater cooperation in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, climate change and just transitions, as well as inclusive global growth and development,” President Ramaphosa told delegates.

Canada, which assumed the G7 Presidency on 1 January 2025, placed global peace, economic stability, and digital transitions at the core of this year’s agenda. South Africa remains the only African country regularly invited to G7 Outreach Sessions—an acknowledgment of its growing diplomatic and geopolitical influence.

This year’s Outreach theme, focused on energy security, innovation, infrastructure, and critical mineral diversification, aligned closely with South Africa’s priorities under its upcoming G20 Presidency. Ramaphosa used the platform to underscore the urgent need for reforms in global governance:

“The G7 should support the efforts of the Global South to create a fair, just and inclusive global order that will foster sustainable development for all. The G7 must also support the reform of international institutions such as the UN Security Council and the global financial architecture.”

On the sidelines of the summit, Ramaphosa held high-level bilateral talks with leaders from Canada, France, Germany, and the Republic of Korea. Discussions focused on trade, investment, and technology partnerships, with particular emphasis on aligning Canada’s Africa Strategy with the African Union’s development agenda.

Accompanied by Minister Ronald Lamola and International Relations and Cooperation officials, President Ramaphosa’s participation provided a crucial opportunity for South Africa to forge stronger ties between the G7 and the Global South, while also advancing its diplomatic goals ahead of its G20 presidency.

With growing calls for a more equitable international system, South Africa’s engagement at the G7 reinforces its role as a leading advocate for development, reform, and inclusive global cooperation.