Tinubu Heads to South Africa, Angola for Back-to-Back G20 and AU Summits
By: Abudu Olalekan
President Bola Tinubu departs for South Africa & Angola to attend the G20 and AU-EU summits. Discover the agenda and key discussions.
First stop? South Africa. Johannesburg. G20 Summit.
Then it’s off to Angola, for the AU–EU summit in Luanda.
Yeah, it’s a busy couple of days.
According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu leaves Wednesday, November 20. He’ll be making strong diplomatic touches in both countries—and it’s not just about attending high-level meetings. There’s more to this visit. Much more.
At the Johannesburg Expo Centre, from November 22 to 23, Tinubu rubs shoulders with global movers at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. This year? South Africa is hosting. First time the G20 is being held on African soil. It’s historic.
Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s President, is the man co-chairing the summit. He personally invited Tinubu. Probably saw the need for Nigeria’s voice—loud and clear—on global challenges.
The theme for this year’s summit is “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” A mouthful, yes. But it zeroes in on serious stuff—climate change, AI, food systems reform, energy transition, and, of course, international debt and development financing.
It’s the big picture. World problems looking for African solutions.
And Tinubu? He’s not going empty-handed. His visit ties into what the Presidency calls the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” So there’ll be side talks—bilateral meetings with other heads of state. Possibly some key agreements. Maybe even some economic collaborations. Things that may later filter into everyday life back here at home.
Here’s the interesting bit. The African Union, now officially a permanent member of the G20, will be participating in Johannesburg too. That’s new. It marks a moment where Africa moves from spectator to decision-maker on global tables.
So, yes—it’s a big deal.
But wait. That’s not all.
Once we’re done with G20 lights and cameras, Tinubu jets off to Angola for the AU–EU summit in Luanda, running from November 24 to 25.
The AU–EU gathering is a lot more Afro-European in focus. Less broad, more regional. Leaders, entrepreneurs, digital creators, civil society—they all show up. Topics? Infrastructure, green growth, AI, creative industries, and agriculture. Basically, how to connect Africa to Europe’s technology, market, and investment pipelines.
And Tinubu will be right there, waving the Nigerian flag.
It’s also worth noting—this will be President Tinubu’s first visit to Luanda as Head of State. But in contrast, his stop in South Africa? That’s his third since taking office in May 2023. Must be something about South Africa. Or maybe it’s just a convenient diplomatic hub.
The delegation traveling with him is stacked. Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Solid Minerals, Finance, Trade and Investment—all on board. Plus the head of the National Intelligence Agency. You don’t carry that kind of squad unless you’re planning serious business.
Back home, Nigerians are watching closely. As international trips become more frequent, there’s growing appetite for results, not just headlines—something tangible from all these summits. Loans? Partnerships? Investments? Concrete action that meets the pressing needs at home.
But one thing is clear. Both stops—Johannesburg and Luanda—place Tinubu at the heart of major continental and global conversations. If Nigeria plays its cards right, this could shape how the world sees us… and maybe how we see ourselves.
We’ll see how this plays out.
President Tinubu is expected back in the country right after both summits wrap up.
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