File Photo: VCG.

The COVID-19 pandemic has set back global efforts to eradicate poverty and narrow inequality, according to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa made the remarks on Sunday at the Second Session of the virtual G20 Leaders' Summit.

He called upon the world to scale up efforts to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development even as it struggles to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.

"We need to ensure that appropriate, at-scale and additional finance is provided to developing countries, as well as technology transfer and capacity-building support," said Ramaphosa.

"We welcome that the Saudi Presidency has prioritised the matter of G20 Support to COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plans in Developing Countries, especially Africa and Small Island Developing States," he added.

In a final communique on Sunday, the G20 members pledged to support African countries in overcoming the impact of the pandemic.

Ramaphosa said this was evidence of the group's commitment to the sustainable development agenda.