Johannesburg is preparing to make history as it hosts the 2025 G20 Summit later this month — the first time the global gathering will take place on African soil. Under South Africa’s presidency, the summit is themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” highlighting a push for more inclusive and equitable global economic policies.
Key priorities include debt reform, fair climate financing, and the drive to build a more representative global financial system. These discussions reflect long-standing concerns from the Global South, where many economies continue to face debt pressures, resource disparities, and structural global inequalities.
Civil society groups across Africa are also taking an active role this year. The G20 Social Summit, which precedes the main leaders’ meeting, is elevating the voices of youth, labor unions, grassroots organizers, and community networks. Their demand: a G20 that makes decisions with—not just about—the people affected.
As global inequality widens and geopolitical tensions rise, the Johannesburg summit offers a rare opportunity to reshape the framework of international cooperation. For Africa, it represents a diplomatic milestone and a platform to define new development trajectories rooted in regional priorities.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_G20_Johannesburg_summit
- https://g20.org/g20-south-africa/g20-presidency/
- https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/1303231/south-africa-champion-equality-solidarity-and-sustainability-g20-chair
- https://ecosocc.au.int/en/events/2025-10-20/tresr
- https://g20.org/engagement-groups-2/g20-social-summit/
