Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Blames Africa’s Challenges On “Poor Leadership” At G20 Social Summit

Former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has argued that Africa’s ongoing hardship is a direct result of poor leadership, despite the continent being rich in natural resources.

Speaking at the G20 Social Summit’s opening ceremony on Tuesday, she said Africa’s extensive arable land and mineral wealth should not coexist with hunger and poverty.

As the summit enters its second day in Boksburg on Wednesday, Mlambo-Ngcuka, who co-convenes the gathering, urged delegates from across the continent to ensure their contributions make a meaningful impact.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Speaks About Africa’s Leadership Failures at G20 Social Summit

This year marks only the second time a social summit forms part of the official G20 programme, following its introduction by Brazil in 2024.

Mlambo-Ngcuka encouraged delegates to consider how the gathering should expand in the future, noting that it may not appear on the United States’ agenda when it assumes the G20 presidency in 2026.

“How will we ensure that what we’ve decided here is not lost along the way, just in case next year is not so cool?” she asked.

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She stressed that Africans must take responsibility for their own development, saying the continent’s trajectory is shaped by its own decisions. “If Africa is not doing well, it is because we are not providing leadership,” she said.

Mlambo-Ngcuka added that South Africa’s G20 programme would not be meaningful without including the lived experiences of ordinary citizens. She said these voices were essential to making the summit relevant and impactful.

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