Edition May 2025

As world leaders gather to tackle the myriads of existential challenges confronting humanity, South Africa reaffirms its commitment to a foreign policy informed by human rights, constitutional principles and the pursuit of national interests. The Government of National Unity’s statement of intent emphasises solidarity and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, with an unwavering aim to achieve the African Agenda 2063. This commitment extends to fostering cooperation between the Global South and North and reinforcing multilateralism, ultimately striving to create a just, peaceful and equitable world.

The contemporary global landscape is fraught with challenges: climate change, disruptive technologies, geopolitical fragmentation, illegal migration, rising living costs, growing inequality, social unrest, and pervasive insecurity. These issues know no borders; they provoke social instability worldwide.

Therefore, solidarity and collective action among progressive forces are essential to constructing effective responses.

In an era of a shifting international order, we understand the necessity of strengthening the Non- Aligned Movement. South Africa's policy of active non-alignment does not equate to passivity; rather, it positions us as proactive leaders seeking dialogue to achieve peace, particularly for developing countries that refuse to be pawns in great power rivalries. Our commitment to independent foreign policies that resonate with our developmental priorities allows non-aligned nations to mediate conflicts, as exemplified by our role in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

This conflict has significant ramifications for Africa, evident in the soar- ing food and energy prices affecting our continent. We must collectively address these concerns through cooperative strategies to end such conflicts and mitigate their economic repercussions. Last year, South Africa took a pivotal step by coordinating the first-ever Africa Peace Initiative beyond our borders, where President Cyril Ramaphosa led a delegation of six African heads of state to Ukraine and Russia.

Our commitment to silencing the guns in Africa has never been more critical. Sustainable peace is the foundation for development, and we are resolute in our efforts to address the root causes of conflict across the continent. By fostering dialogue and reconciliation, we aim to prevent the cycle of violence and ensure that our resources and energies are dedicated to building rather than destroying.

The road to economic prosperity hinges on stability, peace, and the respect for the rule of law. We cannot claim peace while oppression continues. South Africa’s foreign policy will centre Africa, steadfastly aligning with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. We take pride in our progress, confident in our future contributions as we deepen and harness relationships with our partners across the continent.

To this end, we have established 46 Structured Bilateral Mechanisms, including 12 at the Presidential level, fostering dialogues on national, regional and global issues.

A robust African Union will enhance our collective influence on global matters. The African Continental Free Trade Area stands as a flagship initiative of Agenda 2063, aimed at creating a single market that eliminates trade barriers and promotes intra-African trade. Recent reports indicate that Africa continues to rank among the fastest-growing regions globally, with an average projected gross domestic product growth of 3.7% for this year.

This resilience serves as a testament to our foreign policy's positive impact.

As we ramp up our manufacturing capabilities and infra- structure development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), it is imperative to ensure our mineral resources benefit our local communities. Strategic development of our critical minerals, like lithium, is essential in preserving our supply amid the global race for these resources.

Economic diplomacy is crucial to stimulating growth. South Africa remains a prominent investor in Africa, with over 450 projects across the continent. We aim to enhance partnerships to tackle business challenges and create a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship. Collaborative ventures in sec- tors such as oil and gas, green hydrogen, and water resources will bolster regional economies and uplift local livelihoods.

Our commitment to peace extends to our participation in SADC peace efforts, particularly in Northern Mozambique and in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We honour our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for peace, recognising their contribution to our shared aspirations.

We also stand resolute in solidarity with those oppressed by occupation and human rights abuses, notably the Palestinian people. South Africa will continue to act within global institutions to uphold their rights, advocating for their self-determination while supporting the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara.

Multilateralism is a cornerstone of our foreign policy. We advocate for responsible governance in international institutions, including calls for reforming the United Nations Security Council to better reflect global realities. As we engage in platforms such as BRICS and the G20, we amplify Africa's voice, promoting an equitable global order.

The vision of a better South Africa, a better Africa, and a better world fuels our mission. Together, through cooperative action, we can meet our most pressing challenges and lay the groundwork for lasting peace and prosperity. South Africa stands ready to lead this journey, committed to fostering unity and collaboration on our continent and beyond.