Introduction to South Africa’s G20 Summit Preparations
South Africa is gearing up to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, marking the first time an African nation will lead the global forum. President Cyril Ramaphosa has updated the National Assembly on the country’s preparations, highlighting strong international support and key priorities under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability".
Preparations and Progress
The country’s G20 Presidency has received "strong support" from G20 members, invited countries, and international organizations. Approximately 87 of the 132 official meetings on the G20 calendar have already taken place, addressing some of the most urgent and significant challenges facing the global community. These meetings have demonstrated South Africa’s firm commitment to finding sustainable and innovative solutions through dialogue, collaboration, and cooperation.
Key Priorities and Discussions
The discussions have centered on South Africa’s priorities, including strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. South Africa is also championing broader and cross-cutting issues through all the G20 Working Groups, including reform of the multilateral trading system and the international financial architecture.
G20 Working Group Ministerial Declarations and Outcomes
Negotiations on the G20 Working Group Ministerial Declarations and Outcomes are underway, with the last rounds of most of the Ministerial meetings to be held in September and October. The Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, held in July 2025, was a significant milestone, delivering productive and constructive discussions on Africa, the global economic outlook, and macroeconomic stability.
G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts
The G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality was launched in August, chaired by Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz. This initiative seeks to heighten global attention on inequality and outline practical action to address growing disparities in income, wealth, and opportunity.
Hosting the G20 Summit
The main Leaders’ Summit is set for November 22-23, 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, with an expected attendance of heads of state and government from the 19 member countries, plus the European Union, along with invited guests from other nations and international organizations. The government has set aside R691 million for the preparations, covering logistics, security, and hosting.
Provinces’ Role and Legacy Projects
Provinces have played a significant role in hosting delegates and showcasing the country during the preparatory meetings. The G20 Presidential Legacy Initiative on Water Investments, launched in August, scales up the Africa Water Investment Programme into a Global Water Investment Platform, co-chaired by global leaders, to track progress, unlock finance, and align efforts.
Conclusion
South Africa’s G20 Presidency is a milestone for Africa and the Global South, offering a chance to spotlight continent issues like sustainable development and inequality. The country has used its presidency to champion inclusive growth, industrialization, jobs, reduced inequality, food security, and AI for development. With strong international support and key priorities in place, South Africa is poised to host a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit, promoting the development agenda of the Global South and leaving a lasting legacy for the country and the continent.
