Johannesburg, South Africa – The G20 Summit in Johannesburg is set to address critical geoeconomic challenges disproportionately affecting the Global South. This marks the first time the summit is being held on African soil, underscoring the continent's growing global importance. The summit, scheduled for November 22-23, 2025, aims to foster international economic collaboration and advance the African Union's Agenda 2063, a socio-economic plan for Africa, as well as to make progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, approximately five years before the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 deadline. The summit's theme, "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," reflects South Africa's commitment to building on the efforts of previous G20 presidencies from the Global South and advancing the development agenda. President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized that South Africa will prioritize Africa's development throughout its G20 presidency.
Several key priorities have been identified to address the challenges hindering Africa's development. These include 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. These priorities are supported by dedicated task forces focusing on inclusive economic growth, industrialization, employment, reduced inequality, food security, and artificial intelligence and innovation for sustainable development.
The summit also aims to promote predictable and sustainable financing for development and address the critical issue of debt vulnerability in many countries of the Global South. Many of these countries are forced to forgo developmental programs to service exorbitant debts. Discussions will focus on reforming the global debt architecture to move away from charity or bailouts, instead seeking a rebalanced, transparent, and development-first approach. Proposed reforms include faster debt treatment under the G20 Common Framework, automatic consideration of climate and development-related instruments in restructuring, and scaling of climate-linked debt swaps.
South Africa is also championing the interests of the Global South by addressing issues such as debt relief and climate finance. However, some analysts suggest that traditional powers are less receptive to South Africa's agenda than previous G20 presidencies. The absence of leaders from the two most powerful countries in the world may undermine the summit's potential for decisive action.
Despite these challenges, South Africa's commitment to multilateralism makes it a fitting host to facilitate dialogue. The inclusion of the African Union as a full G20 member this year could also strengthen African voices in the group. South Africa's G20 presidency demonstrates the challenge of inclusion in a fractious world, but also highlights the determination of the Global South to have its voice heard.
Ultimately, the success of the Johannesburg G20 Summit will depend on the ability of member nations to move beyond dialogue and implement concrete actions. By strategically investing in its youth and leveraging technology, South Africa and the broader Global South can transform vulnerability into sustainable strength. The summit presents a crucial opportunity to address geoeconomic challenges and create a more equitable and sustainable future for the Global South.
