On his arrival back in South Africa, President Zuma described the summit as successful, with positive outcomes to a large degree, as G20 leaders discussed and agreed on various developmental issues that would benefit the African continent. 
 
The German Presidency of the G20 managed to build on the achievements of the last summit in China, which emphasised sustainable development in Africa.

"Despite disagreements on certain issues, the summit managed to discuss and agree on various developmental matters that would be of advantage to South Africa and the African continent, including the launch of the G20 Africa Partnership. This programme was launched in recognition of the opportunities and challenges on the African continent as well as the goals of the United Nations Social Development Agenda 2030.

"It was agreed that this initiative would be based on equal partnerships and would be in line with the African Union Agenda 2063. The partnership will further serve our national interest as it will generate sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development, contribute to create decent employment and economic advancement for women and youth as well as alleviate poverty and inequality," the President said.

The partnership will include developmental projects such as the G20 Initiative for Rural Youth Employment in developing countries with a focus on Africa. This initiative is intended to contribute to creating 1,1 million new jobs by 2022 and provide innovative skills development programme for at least five million young people over the next five years.

The G20 Africa Partnership programme will also include projects such as the Women Entrepreneurs Financing Initiative, housed at the World Bank, and establishment of the Business Women's Leaders Task Force to work with the G20's Women20 and Business20 initiatives as well as the launch of the #eSkills4Girls Initiative to promote opportunities and equal participation for women and girls in the digital economy, in particular in low-income and developing countries. 

President Zuma said such developmental programmes were necessary to address the growing discontent by citizens, which was a bigger issue confronting the world.

"We are confronted by rising inequality within countries and a lack of quality jobs. It cannot be 'business as usual' where we simply take an approach to better explain the benefits of trade. It is imperative that the discourse and action acknowledge the benefits and costs of globalisation," the President said.

President Zuma said the summit also thoroughly discussed the issue of the global economy, trade and investment, against the unfavourable background of the slow global economic growth.

The summit agreed that despite improvements in trade and investment, the benefits of international trade and investment had not been shared fairly enough.

The leaders agreed that trade and investment were key pillars of growth and development, therefore it would be appropriate to promote a fair and favourable environment that would ensure transparency, mutually beneficial trade relations as well as inclusive and sustainable global growth.

"We further agreed on the improvement of the functions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as well as full implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which will provide technical assistance to developing countries.

"As South Africa, we will take full advantage of these agreements and opportunities to address immediate challenges facing the country such as economic growth, creation of decent jobs as well as eradication of poverty and inequality," President Zuma said. 

Among other issues discussed during the summit were sustainable development, climate and energy.

President Zuma said despite differences on climate and energy matters, including the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the majority of leaders remained committed to the agreement as it represented best opportunities to address the existential threat posed by climate change.

The President said the leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to the Paris Agreement and agreed on full implementation of the agreement as well as the G20 Hamburg Climate and Energy Action Plan for Growth. 

During the summit, President Zuma also participated in the G20 Leaders Retreat Meeting, which discussed terrorism and extremism.

The President said South Africa noted with concern the alarming regularity and persistence of terror attacks across the world, causing death and devastation and impacting national and regional security.

"International coordination and cooperation in countering this threat is critical. As South Africa, we maintained our full support of the global campaign against terrorism within the framework of the United Nations," the President said.

President Zuma was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; the Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba; and the Minister of Energy, Nkhensani Kubayi.

President Zuma also participated in the informal meeting of the BRICS Leaders Meeting, which was held on the margins of the G20 Summit, and chaired by the People's Republic of China, as the current chair of BRICS. South Africa assumes the chair next year.