JOHANNESBURG — Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending the G20 summit in South Africa, which is notably affected by a U.S. boycott. This marks Carney's first visit to the region as prime minister, drawing attention from critics of Canada’s Africa strategy.

Carleton University professor David Hornsby commented, "There’s a great synergy and opportunity for us to collaborate on core challenges that affect us all. The time is right for us to re-engage in significant ways." The summit is historic as it is the first G20 meeting held on the African continent, occurring nearly a year after the African Union was granted full membership in the group.

Canada has outlined five key priorities for the summit: enhancing critical mineral supply chains, leveraging artificial intelligence for sustainable development, preventing wildfires and natural disasters, reforming development funding and debt, and promoting gender equality through economic growth. The focus on gender equality aligns with the Trudeau government’s feminist foreign policy, which emphasizes economic growth alongside issues like sexual health and gender-based violence.

This visit follows Carney's brief trip to Egypt last month for discussions related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is chairing the summit and has emphasized the need to address rising global inequality. A report commissioned by Ramaphosa highlighted that economic polarization is fostering resentment and threatening political stability.

Ramaphosa's priorities for the summit echo themes raised by Canada at the G7, including disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income nations, financing for a just energy transition, and utilizing critical minerals for inclusive growth.

The G20 leaders will convene on Saturday and Sunday, with Carney scheduled for one-on-one meetings with leaders from France, Germany, Norway, and the U.K., and likely with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Carney will also participate in discussions regarding the European Union's engagement with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade bloc that includes Canada.

Carney's arrival in Johannesburg coincides with Canadian officials announcing a reduction in support for the Global Fund, a key organization addressing infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV. Meanwhile, Trump has opted not to send senior officials to the summit, citing accusations against South Africa regarding anti-white violence, which South African officials dispute. Trump is set to host the next G20 meeting in December 2026 in Miami.

The absence of leaders from Russia, China, Mexico, and Argentina at this summit marks the largest number of no-shows in G20 history, according to G20 Research Group head John Kirton. He noted that without Trump’s dominating presence, discussions may be more focused and conducive to consensus. However, he also warned that the absence of key leaders could lead to less comprehensive deliberations.

Despite these challenges, Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, believes Carney can still advance economic agreements with significant partners. "This is a no-brainer for the prime minister," Stein said, highlighting Carney's experience and established relationships with other leaders.

Carney's visit comes amid scrutiny of Canada’s Africa strategy, which aims to shift the perception of the continent from merely an aid recipient to a region of opportunity for Canadian businesses. Critics have pointed out that the strategy lacks clear funding and implementation plans.

Canada’s special envoy for Africa, Ben Marc Diendéré, expressed concerns about the government’s priorities, stating, "I had to fight to get people to say the word ‘Africa.’ That is troubling." He emphasized that Canada is lagging behind other nations, including China, in advancing its interests in Africa.

Hornsby noted a significant knowledge gap within Global Affairs Canada regarding the diverse needs of Africa's 54 countries. He suggested that Canada should return to its historical role in supporting African nations in building their economies and political systems.

South Africa’s High Commissioner in Ottawa, Rieaz Shaik, mentioned ongoing collaborations with Canada in scientific research and green technology. He revealed that both countries are negotiating an agreement to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Shaik expressed a positive view of Canada, recalling its support during South Africa's transition from apartheid. He stated, "We know consensus-making, because we built a new constitution on consensus. We ended apartheid on consensus — and we learned all of that from Canada."