South Africa officially begins its tenure as the first African country to lead the G20 today, hosting the Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
South Africa kicks off G20 meeting today
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to open the event, which will run from Thursday to Friday, 21 February 2025, under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
The meeting, led by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, will bring together foreign ministers from the world’s largest economies to discuss global challenges.
Discussions will focus on geopolitical tensions, economic cooperation, and the impact of the G20 over its two-decade existence.
Throughout the year, South Africa’s G20 Presidency will host approximately 130 working group meetings and 23 ministerial-level meetings, culminating in the G20 Leaders Summit in November 2025.
During its presidency, South Africa has outlined three key priorities:
- Inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality
- Food security
- Artificial intelligence, data governance, and innovation for sustainable development
A key focus will be ensuring Africa’s development remains at the centre of global discussions.
This aligns with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, a strategic framework developed by the African Union to promote economic and social progress across the continent.
Tensions still palpable between South Africa and US
Despite the significance of South Africa’s leadership in the G20, tensions between Pretoria and Washington remain high. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has refused to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in November, citing concerns over South Africa’s land reform policies and broader political direction.
Rubio announced his boycott on 6 February via X, stating:
“I will NOT attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg. South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote solidarity, equality and sustainability.”
His remarks were met with strong criticism from South Africa’s government, which has denied claims of race-based discrimination in land reform policies. Rubio’s stance aligns with the Trump administration’s approach, which has been increasingly critical of South Africa.
In addition to Rubio’s absence, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also withdrawn from next week’s G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in South Africa. While Bessent cited obligations in Washington, his decision follows the same pattern as Rubio’s, reinforcing speculation that the US is downplaying its engagement with South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Nevertheless, the US will have representation at the Foreign Ministers Meeting. Dana Brown, the US chargé d’affaires to South Africa, will attend in Rubio’s place. A spokesperson for the US mission in Pretoria stated that America remains committed to global economic cooperation and investment discussions.
Despite these tensions, South Africa continues to position itself as a key player in global economic dialogue. The country has emphasised its commitment to multilateral cooperation and addressing pressing global issues, including economic inequality and sustainable development.
How does the G20 meeting impact the ordinary citizen?
While the G20 is often seen as a high-level political and economic forum, its decisions can have a direct impact on ordinary South Africans.
Some key areas where the outcomes of this meeting could influence everyday life include:
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: South Africa has prioritised inclusive economic growth and industrialisation during its G20 presidency. Policies discussed at this forum could lead to increased investment, trade agreements, and job creation initiatives that benefit local industries.
- Food Security: With food prices rising globally, agreements made within the G20 could help stabilise costs and improve access to affordable food supplies in South Africa. The government is expected to push for agricultural investment and trade partnerships that strengthen food security.
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation: South Africa is focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, and technological innovation as part of its agenda. This could lead to new investments in digital infrastructure, education, and AI-driven industries, creating new job opportunities and improving public services.
- Foreign Relations and Trade: While tensions between South Africa and the US persist, continued dialogue within the G20 may shape trade policies, investment agreements, and international cooperation. Any shifts in these relationships could influence currency stability, fuel prices, and economic growth.
- Climate Change and Sustainability: South Africa’s G20 theme includes sustainability, which could bring new initiatives for renewable energy, carbon reduction, and climate funding. This may result in cheaper electricity, job opportunities in green industries, and improved infrastructure for climate resilience.
As the G20 discussions unfold, the impact on everyday life will become clearer. Policies adopted at the forum have the potential to shape South Africa’s economic and social landscape in the coming years.
