South Africa Gears Up for Historic G20 Leaders’ Summit: First African-Hosted Global Economic Forum Enters Final 100 Days

Key Takeaway: South Africa’s G20 presidency represents a watershed moment for Africa’s voice in global governance, with the November Leaders’ Summit poised to champion Global South priorities while navigating complex geopolitical challenges and strained US relations amid Trump’s tariff policies.

As South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency approaches its last 100 days, the country is ramping up efforts to host a historic G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first of its kind on African soil, scheduled for November 22-23, 2025, in Johannesburg.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, said over the past eight months, substantial groundwork has been laid, with 87 out of 132 official meetings having been conducted across both the Sherpa and Finance tracks.

“The negotiations taking place for the Working Group Ministerial meetings will set the tone for the forthcoming discussions on the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration,” said Lamola on Wednesday during a media briefing on recent developments relating to the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy.

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Unprecedented African Leadership in Global Governance

This year marks the first time that an African country has held the G20 Presidency, as South Africa is the only African nation state among the G20 members, with the African Union admitted only two years ago during India’s Presidency. The G20 represents around 87% of global GDP, 62% of the world’s population, and over 75% of global trade.

South Africa has chosen the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability” for its presidency, reflecting its commitment to addressing global challenges with particular emphasis on Africa’s development agenda and the priorities of the Global South.

During the 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that “we will put Africa’s development at the top of the agenda when we host the G20 in 2025,” signaling South Africa’s intention to use this platform to advocate for developing economies across the continent.

Complex Pre-Summit Preparations and Key Ministerial Meetings

With the next round of Ministerial meetings scheduled for September, the Minister said attention is firmly focused on setting the tone for the forthcoming G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration. “We are at a critical juncture, and the negotiations will shape our discussions moving forward,” the Minister explained.

In the Finance Track, the recent Fourth G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting held in July, followed by the Third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in the same month, resulted in a communiqué that received consensus from all member states. This communiqué addresses important strategic macroeconomic issues.

However, the Finance Ministers meeting in Cape Town got off to a rocky start, failing to reach consensus on an outcome document, highlighting the complex challenges South Africa faces in bridging diverse national interests and priorities.

“The outcomes from these discussions are pivotal as we navigate the complex global economic landscape,” Lamola noted.

Ambitious Development Agenda for the Global South

South Africa is gearing up for several important events in the coming months, including the G20 Compact with Africa in Johannesburg, a Food Security Meeting in Egypt, discussions on industrialisation and agriculture in Nigeria, and the second G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting.

The Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which coincides with the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) High-Level Week in New York, holds special significance as it will be the second time such a meeting is hosted at the UN, following Brazil’s initiative last year.

“We are excited to invite all UN member and observer states to this crucial dialogue, reinforcing our commitment to global cooperation,” Lamola added.

South Africa’s presidency focuses on three key priorities:

1. Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reducing Inequality
2. Food Security
3. Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development

Leaders’ Declaration: Cementing Africa’s Vision

The preparations are focused on the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, which will centre around the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” “This Declaration will encapsulate our priorities and deliverables, particularly emphasising the developmental agenda for the Global South and the African continent,” Lamola added.

The final negotiations for the Leaders’ Declaration are scheduled to take place during the last G20 Sherpa meeting, from 16 to 19 November. According to the Minister, South Africa’s leadership is determined to ensure a successful culmination of its presidency, fostering collaboration among G20 members.

The South African presidency aims to confront poly-crises such as climate change, food security, energy issues, and debt—challenges that disproportionately affect Africa and other developing nations. The presidency will also highlight infrastructure development and global governance reforms initiated by previous G20 leaders.

Inclusive Civil Society Engagement

In addition, preparations for the G20 Social Summit, scheduled for 18 to 20 November, are underway to incorporate broader perspectives. “We aim to expand outreach to communities beyond the 13 G20 Engagement Groups, inviting civil society organisations, think-tanks, and academia from around the world,” Lamola explained.

The South African government recognizes the significant strides made by the Brazilian G20 Presidency in enhancing the G20 as a site of democratic global engagement. The South African presidency will continue this trajectory, with dialogues conducted by engagement groups such as Business20 (B20), Civil20 (C20), Labour20 (L20), Parliament20 (P20), Science20 (S20), Start-up20 (SU20), Supreme Audit Institutions20 (SAI20), and Think-tank20 (T20).

Critical Focus on Debt Relief and Climate Resilience

South Africa plans to use its G20 presidency to champion several critical global issues. First, the country will elevate disaster resilience and response to leader level, calling for the global community, including international financial institutions, development banks and the private sector, to scale up post-disaster reconstruction.

A key priority is ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries. A major obstacle to inclusive growth in developing economies, including many in Africa, is an unsustainable level of debt which limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education and other development needs. Building on G20 initiatives undertaken in recent years, South Africa will seek to advance sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges.

The urgency of debt relief was underlined by the new “African Leaders Debt Relief Initiative” (ALDRI), promoted in Cape Town by eight former African Heads of State during the Finance Ministers meeting.

Strained US-South Africa Relations Cast Shadow

The Minister also touched on the recent teleconference between President Cyril Ramaphosa and United States President Donald Trump, where they confirmed their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations. However, this ongoing dialogue comes as discussions about the United States’ 30% unilateral trade tariffs highlight existing tensions.

The Trump administration imposed 30% tariffs on South African exports effective August 1, 2025, based on Trump’s interpretation of trade imbalances. This move has effectively nullified the benefits South Africa enjoys under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

“We are continuing to hold several strategic meetings at various political and governmental levels,” Lamola said, noting a recent engagement with United States Charge d’Affaires David Greene. Deputy Minister Alvin Botes also participated in a video conference with United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to address trade and geopolitical issues.

AGOA at Risk and Economic Diversification Push

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), established in 2000, has been a cornerstone of US-Africa trade policy for 25 years, providing duty-free access to more than 1,800 products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries. However, experts warn that Trump’s tariffs have effectively killed the AGOA framework.

South Africa exports vehicles and parts worth $2 billion to the US under AGOA, with 64% of the country’s exports to the US under AGOA being automobiles. The citrus industry is particularly vulnerable, with an estimated 35,000 local jobs from farm level throughout the supply chain at risk.

In response to these challenges, Trade Minister Parks Tau announced the establishment of an export support desk to assist affected companies and promote alternative markets, urging South African companies to accelerate diversification efforts to promote better resilience in global supply chains.

Proposed Trade Framework and Energy Commitments

South Africa has been working to salvage trade relations with the US through a proposed Framework Deal submitted to Washington on May 20, 2025. The proposed agreement would allow South Africa to annually export 40,000 vehicles, 385 million kg of steel, and 132 million kg of aluminum to the US without facing tariffs.

In exchange, South Africa proposed to import roughly 75 to 100 million cubic meters of liquified natural gas (LNG) annually from the US for 10 years, costing between $900 million and $1.2 billion per year. However, energy experts have criticized this arrangement as financially unsound and potentially jeopardizing South Africa’s energy security and industrial development.

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Geopolitical Balancing Act and BRICS Relations

South Africa’s G20 presidency comes amid complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding its relationships with the US, China, and Russia. The country has maintained solidarity with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, while simultaneously hosting significant Chinese and American business interests.

Trump has also threatened to impose additional 10% tariffs on countries that align themselves with the “anti-American policies” of BRICS, adding another layer of complexity to South Africa’s diplomatic navigation as both a G20 president and BRICS member.

Meanwhile, South Africa will host a congressional staff delegation from the United States House of Foreign Affairs Committee, further emphasising the countries’ commitment to cooperation despite trade tensions.

Human Rights and Domestic Policy Challenges

Addressing human rights allegations from the latest United States Human Rights 2024 report, Lamola reiterated that allegations of state-sponsored violations of human rights are unfounded and that violent crime in rural areas affects everyone who lives and works on farms.

The Trump administration has also criticized South Africa’s land expropriation policies, with some US officials arguing that stripping South Africa of AGOA privileges could hurt the same white farmers the US seeks to protect—highlighting the complex intersection of trade policy and domestic social issues.

African Union Integration and Continental Development

The timing of South Africa’s G20 presidency is particularly significant given the African Union’s recent admission to the G20 in 2023. This creates an unprecedented opportunity for African issues to be prominently featured in global economic discussions.

Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, CEO of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), stressed the importance of enhancing regional cooperation and integration, urging South Africa to use the momentum of AU admission and its G20 presidency to push for commitments supporting regional integration in close coordination with relevant AU organs.

The presidency aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want,” providing a platform to advance continental development goals on the global stage.

Economic Impact and Market Expectations

The G20 represents 85% of the global economy, making South Africa’s leadership role economically significant for the continent. However, the country’s own economic challenges, including high unemployment, inequality, and recent trade disruptions, add pressure to deliver tangible outcomes.

Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has warned that US tariffs risk hindering South Africa’s exports to its largest trade partner after China, with steel and aluminum accounting for about 8.5% of exports to the US.

The private sector relationship remains crucial, with over 600 American companies active in South Africa, supporting high value-added manufactured goods and numerous jobs in both countries.

Innovation and Technology Priorities

South Africa’s presidency places significant emphasis on artificial intelligence, data governance, and innovation for sustainable development. This focus reflects the country’s recognition that technological advancement is crucial for leapfrogging development challenges and positioning Africa competitively in the global economy.

The Science20 (S20) engagement group will play a crucial role in advancing this agenda, bringing together scientists, researchers, and innovation experts from around the world to develop policy recommendations for G20 leaders.

Climate Finance and Green Transition

Climate finance has been identified as a controversial issue requiring careful navigation during South Africa’s presidency. The country aims to unlock existing commitments and guide them toward projects on the ground, particularly on disaster relief and climate action, and on mobilizing finance for the green transition.

South Africa advocates for greater use of grants rather than debt in climate finance, arguing that current approaches often exacerbate debt burdens in developing countries rather than providing genuine development support.

Food Security and Agricultural Development

Food security represents one of South Africa’s three key priority areas, reflecting the urgent need to address hunger and malnutrition across the Global South. The presidency will build on Brazil’s initiatives, including the Hunger and Poverty Alliance and discussions on global taxation.

The upcoming Food Security Meeting in Egypt and discussions on industrialization and agriculture in Nigeria will provide platforms to advance concrete solutions to agricultural challenges facing developing countries.

Global Governance Reform Agenda

South Africa’s foreign policy, deeply intertwined with its domestic priorities, aims to foster a better, stable, and prosperous South Africa, Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, and Africa. The G20 presidency provides a unique platform to advocate for global governance reforms that reflect the aspirations and challenges of the Global South.

Prof. Bradlow notes the importance of South Africa inheriting and advancing initiatives from Brazil’s G20 presidency while pushing for reforms that enhance the voice and representation of developing countries in international institutions.

Looking Ahead: November Summit Expectations

As South Africa marks this historic moment, Lamola expressed a strong conviction that “only when the world is at peace can economic prosperity be sustained.” The success of the November summit will depend on South Africa’s ability to bridge diverse interests and deliver meaningful outcomes for both developed and developing countries.

“Finally, these final months of South Africa’s G20 Presidency will be crucial in ensuring a successful Leaders’ Summit where the G20 can commit to collective solutions for shared global challenges,” Lamola concluded.

The G20 Summit represents an opportunity that only arises every two decades in Africa, making it a pivotal moment for the continent’s engagement with global economic governance.

Strategic Communication and Outreach

Beyond formal diplomatic channels, South Africa has been employing innovative approaches to engage potential summit attendees. President Ramaphosa recently invited G20 leaders to visit the country’s world-class golf courses during the recent Presidential Golf Day in Cape Town—an invitation that could help encourage participation, including from leaders like Trump who are known golf enthusiasts.

This personal diplomacy approach reflects South Africa’s understanding that successful multilateral engagement often depends on building personal relationships and trust among world leaders.

The Path Forward: Challenges and Opportunities

The final 100 days of preparation represent a critical period for South Africa to demonstrate its capacity for global leadership while managing complex domestic and international pressures. The success of the G20 presidency will be measured not only by the immediate outcomes of the November summit but by its longer-term impact on Africa’s role in global governance and the advancement of Global South priorities.

The convergence of trade tensions with the US, geopolitical complexities around BRICS membership, and the unprecedented responsibility of hosting the first African G20 summit creates both significant challenges and historic opportunities for South African diplomacy.

As the world watches, South Africa’s G20 presidency stands as a test of the country’s ability to translate its pan-African vision and commitment to multilateralism into concrete global influence and tangible benefits for the continent and the broader developing world.

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Photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

29th August, 2025