By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

Seven of the world’s strongest economic strongholds convened for the G7 summit in Canada on Monday where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was also in attendance in order to realign himself with the discussions similar to the ones that will take place at the G20 Summit in South Africa in November. 

The seven countries who make up the G7 are France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States and Canada who currently hold the G7 presidency as of 01 January 2025. 

This meeting which is titled the “Outreach Session” is aimed at addressing issues surrounding international peace and security, global economic stability, and a transition into the digital era. The Outreach Session also aims to find sustainable solutions to energy stability by strengthening mineral supply chains, and investments in global infrastructure. These aims are heavily linked to South African interests in the way in which it aims to approach the G20 summit. This may also be a strategic move from Ramaphosa to gain insight from these countries in terms of economic stability as well as build relations with these economic powerhouses. Canada and South Africa’s cooperation with one another has strengthened heavily due to their link as G7 and G20 presidents respectively. Canada and South Africa have been in heavy engagement with one another this year through ministerial meetings, as South Africa is the only African country that was able to secure an invite to the G7 Outreach Session. A spokesperson to the South African presidency Vincent Magwenya made a statement discussing Ramaphosa’s intentions for attending the outreach sessions, “To explore leadership and collaboration in driving a comprehensive approach to energy security with a focus on technology and innovation; diversification and strengthening critical mineral supply chains; infrastructure and investment.” Vincent Magwenya continued to elaborate saying “ The Outreach Sessions of the G7 in which President Ramaphosa participated in have been a feature of the group over the years, with the aim to strengthen unity among G7 members and like-minded countries to deliberate on and address some of the world’s most pressing issues.” Ramaphosa has also emphasized the importance of the G7 supporting the Global South in order to build inclusive sustainable development and that they should support reform in international institutions like the United Nations Security Council and the global financial architecture. 

It is not uncommon for G7 to invite other leaders who are not members of the group, this is done to foster critical insight into the global landscape and also contribute towards economic stability around the globe. The EU were also participants in the Outreach Session although they are not a member of the G7.