South Africa is set to assume the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) in December, marking a historic milestone as the first African nation to lead the influential global forum. The country has outlined its key priorities, which include financing solutions for economic development and advancing the “just energy transition,” with a particular focus on the Global South.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced on Wednesday that preparations for South Africa’s G20 leadership are well underway. During a briefing on last week’s cabinet meeting, she emphasized that Africa’s aspirations and the development of the Global South are central to the country’s agenda for its presidency.
“The development of the Global South and the aspirations of Africa are at the top of South Africa’s agenda for its G20 presidency,” Ntshavheni said. She added that South Africa will also prioritize global financing solutions, food security, climate change, and the energy crisis.
South Africa’s G20 presidency will culminate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025, alongside a series of global meetings throughout the year. This comes at a time when the Global South faces urgent challenges, including the climate crisis and the need for sustainable economic growth to address social needs.
Advancing National and Continental Interests
Ntshavheni noted that South Africa will use its presidency to advance its National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030, which aims to drive sustainable economic growth. The country will also promote stronger diplomatic, bilateral, and trade relations to bolster its economy.
Paul Calvey, a partner at Oliver Wyman South Africa, described this moment as a unique opportunity for the country to showcase its progress and potential to foreign investors. He emphasized the need to focus on policies supporting education, youth employment, social equality, and the just energy transition.
“With the world’s eyes on South Africa, this is a chance to elevate the priorities of the country and the broader continent,” said Calvey.
Strategic Importance of the G20
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, highlighted the G20’s significance as a platform that represents 60% of the global population, 80% of global GDP, and 75% of global exports. He noted that the forum is vital for advancing Africa’s development priorities and fostering global economic cooperation.
“The G20 supports emerging and developing economies to achieve sustainable development, which is essential for global stability, security, and reducing resource pressures,” Lamola said. He added that Africa’s priorities would be front and center during South Africa’s presidency.
South Africa will participate in the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18–19, before officially taking over from Brazil on December 1. The summit will include leaders from the 19 G20 member countries, the African Union (AU), and the European Union (EU). Leaders will approve agreements negotiated throughout the year and chart strategies to address global challenges.
As South Africa prepares to lead the G20, it aims to amplify the voices of developing nations and ensure that Africa’s development goals receive global attention.
