Johannesburg — The recently concluded G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg delivered a surprise cultural highlight: the rise of Ankole cattle diplomacy—a soft-power showcase led by South African and Ugandan champions of the iconic long-horned breed.
South African artist, photographer and stud breeder Daniel Naudé stunned world leaders when his vivid portraits of Ankole cattle—shot in Mbarara, Uganda—were exhibited at the summit attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, President Yoweri Museveni, and other global dignitaries.
“I am very proud to have my work exhibited at the G20 in the presence of the President and other world leaders,” Naudé wrote. “It is an amazing honour to share my passion for the Ankole breed with the world.”
The photographs, featuring the prized animals of Ugandan breeder Eric Rutahigwa, have become a global talking point, merging art, agriculture, heritage, and diplomacy. The exhibition traced Naudé’s long-standing relationship with the Rutahigwa family, with whom he spent time on their farm documenting Uganda’s most famous cattle.
Ramaphosa and Museveni Champion a Shared Heritage
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa—himself an enthusiast and registered member of South Africa’s Ankole Long-Horned Cattle Breeders Association—was credited for amplifying the breed on the world stage.
Uganda’s UN Ambassador Adonia Ayebare celebrated the moment, posting: “Thank you, President Ramaphosa, for introducing Ankole cows to the world.”
Ramaphosa’s leadership of the G20 Presidency placed Africa’s heritage in a global view, with the exhibition symbolising the summit’s broader message of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
A Cross-Border Symbol of Identity
The G20 spotlight has reignited East Africa’s own conversation about Ankole cattle. Ugandan MP Frank Tumwebaze recently praised Ankole and Rwanda’s Inyambo cattle as symbols of shared heritage in historic regions such as Nkore and Karagwe.
President Museveni keeps thousands on his Kisozi farm, while Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame famously gifts Ankole cattle as diplomatic tokens.
Journalist Canary Mugume amplified the excitement online, urging followers to share photos of their cattle and proposing tourism experiences centred on the breed.
From Africa to the World: Branding the Ankole Legacy
Tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa described Naudé as a “force of nature” in global Ankole branding.
“He has done a super job marketing Ankole cattle to the world,” Wekesa said. “Some Ugandans now tour Ankole cattle on farms in Cape Town as they enjoy South African wine!”
Naudé, who also produces Ankole-branded wine and beer, bought one of Rutahigwa’s prized bulls for USD 15,000, signalling the breed’s rising economic value.
A Sleeping Giant of African Agriculture
Wekesa argued the G20 spotlight should be a wake-up call for East Africa: “Ankole cattle are one example of how sleepy we are. South Africans are showing us what we could do with our heritage.”
With the breed now gaining global star status, observers say “cattle diplomacy” may become a signature African soft-power tool—connecting agriculture, tourism, culture, and international relations.
At a summit themed around global cooperation, Ramaphosa said the Johannesburg G20 was rooted in shared humanity and partnership. The Ankole exhibition became an unexpected but powerful visual expression of that message.
As Naudé put it: “These animals are more than cattle—they are living sculptures and a bridge between cultures.”
From the grasslands of Ankole to the conference halls of the G20, the long-horned giants have carried Africa’s story farther than ever before.
