Multilateral Relations
South Africa’s foreign policy focuses on building unity, inclusive economic development and shared prosperity for the African continent and its people. Accordingly, the department plays an active role in the structures and processes of the African Union (AU) to advance peace and security and prevent conflict in Africa.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) remains a major vehicle for South Africa’s pursuit of regional development and integration. This inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana, aims to further regional socio-economic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 16 countries in southern Africa.
South Africa’s foreign policy focuses on building unity, inclusive economic development and shared prosperity for the African continent and its people. Accordingly, the department plays an active role in the structures and processes of the African Union (AU) to advance peace and security and prevent conflict in Africa.
The role of the G20 in creating the foundation for global economic stability, a vital catalyst for economic development and implementing consequential global commitments such as the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) cannot be overstated.
The G20 comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The BRICS is a group formed by eleven countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. It serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South and for coordination in the most diverse areas
The objectives of BRICS include strengthening economic, political, and social cooperation among its members, as well as increasing the influence of Global South countries in international governance. The group seeks to improve the legitimacy, equity in participation, and efficiency of global institutions such as the UN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO. Moreover, it aims to bolster sustainable social and economic development and promote social inclusion.