G20, short for the “Group of 20,” is an international forum that consists of the world’s largest economic countries. Although the member states that the G20 summit should be held annually to discuss the crucial points of economic, political, and social initiatives, the group as a whole is defined as the main forum or the leading platform for global economic cooperation.
Established in 1999, it consists of nineteen countries, two regional unions, and more than 66% of the world population.
November 2025 represents a historic milestone, as Johannesburg proudly takes the flag in hosting the G20 summit for the very first time on African ground. After holding the presidency for 1 year in the G20 summit, South Africa, being a member of the Commonwealth, brings the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” to highlight a new beginning in global economic cooperation.
The summit held under the presidency of South Africa, taking place from November 22 to 23, will primarily encourage strengthening multilateral cooperation regarding solidarity, encouraging shared prosperity and narrowing the gap between rich and poor for fostering equality and addressing climate change and advancing green development in concerns for a future in sustainability.
Hosting sessions on climate finance, global economic recovery, digital transformation, and food security, the African continent, despite being home to 1.4 billion people, which is approximately around 18% of the world, has been involved in a very limited role in shaping decisions related to debt restructuring, climate adaptation, and trade agreements.
While this summit is a historical milestone for Africa, the continent has been undergoing major hurdles, such as receiving binding commitments regarding climate finance with developed countries, strains on geopolitics, unfulfilled commitments made in the past that are hindering ambitious goals, and clashing interests.
The primary focus is securing advanced climate finance for vulnerable regions, expanding fair access for trade in refined exports and technology transfer, and restructuring and reforming debt systems so they could eventually stimulate growth in vital development sectors.
In terms of Africa, the summit could secure its rightful place at the global table and mark a turning point in the continent’s ability to shape global economic policy rather than being extensively affected by it.
Meanwhile, for the wider global framework, it may be the opportunity to reform platforms in debt to create a suitable state or order for investment and growth in vital development areas.
