JOHANNESBURG — Prime Minister Mark Carney invoked Nelson Mandela's legacy during the G20 summit, emphasizing the need for global collaboration in a time of geopolitical uncertainty. Carney spoke to reporters on Sunday, stating, "At a time when too many countries are retreating into geopolitical blocs or the battlegrounds of protectionism, Canada believes that the G20 must remain a bridge."

Carney referenced Mandela's fight against apartheid, noting that Mandela believed societal progress required addressing issues that transcended national borders. He quoted Mandela, saying, "His words spoke to a moment of rebirth in South Africa, and today they can guide how we lead the way forward, from this moment of rupture."

The summit saw most G20 leaders agree on a joint declaration addressing climate change and gender equality, despite the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump, who boycotted the event. Carney acknowledged the significance of the joint document, which reflects a year-long collaborative process. He pointed out that the participating governments represent three-quarters of the global population and two-thirds of the world’s economic output.

Carney remarked, "I look at it more from who shows up, who engages, who does the work." He noted that the American absence serves as a reminder of the shifting dynamics in the global economy, with power increasingly diffusing to various countries, particularly in the Global South. "Our task is to ensure that Canada doesn’t only endure this shift, but that we prosper under it," he added.

During a formal meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Carney discussed reviving stalled trade negotiations that have been ongoing since 2010. He emphasized that a comprehensive trade deal would yield greater benefits than the sectoral agreement Canada suspended in 2023 following the assassination of a Sikh activist near Vancouver.

Additionally, Carney co-launched a partnership with India and Australia focused on emerging technologies. He participated in discussions involving the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), aimed at enhancing trade among nations seeking alternatives to U.S. tariffs and Chinese import restrictions.

On Sunday, Carney announced that Canada and South Africa would begin talks on an investment-protection agreement to foster collaboration in clean energy and critical mineral sourcing. He also revealed plans for FinDev Canada to open an office in Cape Town next year to support private sector projects in emerging markets.

This announcement follows South Africa's interest in a potential "wine for gas" deal, which would involve exporting high-quality wines to Canada in exchange for liquefied natural gas. Carney also engaged with Angolan President João Lourenço regarding potential partnerships within the African continental free-trade area, although he cautioned against overemphasizing this possibility.

Carney stated, "Our new government is working for Canada, to move from reliance to resilience by building a broad and dense web of new partnerships, and creating new economic opportunities that will make Canada stronger both at home and abroad."

However, concerns have been raised about Canada’s engagement with Africa, particularly following a recent decision to reduce support for the Global Fund, which addresses infectious diseases. This cut follows a broader reduction in foreign aid outlined in this year’s budget, which the government claims aligns with pre-pandemic spending levels.

In March, the Canadian government unveiled an Africa strategy aimed at fostering economic ties rather than solely viewing the continent as an aid recipient. However, the strategy was released after significant delays and without new funding allocations, contrasting with the $2.3 billion set aside for the 2022 Indo-Pacific strategy.

Carney acknowledged the challenges facing the Africa strategy, stating, "Is it the first thing we worked on in terms of priorities? No. That’s because we have a responsibility to have that highest return. Canada remains engaged with Africa."

He emphasized the importance of strengthening existing relationships with economies like Mexico, the U.K., and Europe before expanding into high-growth Asian markets, such as the recently signed trade deal with Indonesia. Carney also held informal discussions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and participated in meetings with European and Japanese leaders regarding a revised peace proposal for Ukraine.

Access to bilateral meetings during the summit was highly restricted, limiting Canadian media coverage of Carney's engagements.

This report was first published on November 23, 2025.