Edition October 2025

The world’s leading economies will gather in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 November 2025, for the historic G20 Leaders' Summit, as South Africa’s Presidency concludes on 30 November. This is not only a milestone for South Africa, but for the whole continent. For the first time, an African country has held the G20 Presidency, marking a turning point in our global engagement. This is an affirmation of our growing influence on the world stage and a catalyst for advancing Africa’s voice in shaping the future of international cooperation and sustainable development.  

Against the backdrop of Transport Month (October each year) we appreciate that mobility defines access to opportunity whether it’s a minibus taxi or train ride to work or to school, or a walk along newly marked pedestrian routes, improved connectivity positions the country as a gateway to Africa, linking trade corridors and strengthens South Africa’s voice in global conversations.  

The G20, comprising the world’s largest economies, is a critical platform for addressing global challenges and driving inclusive growth. South Africa’s Presidency comes at a time when the world is navigating complex transitions, including climate change, digital transformation, geopolitical tensions and economic recovery. 

This moment also comes five years before the deadline of the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. According to the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, only around 35% of targets are either on track or showing moderate progress, while nearly half are advancing too slowly and worryingly, approximately 18% are regressing.  In the foreword to this report by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres he describes the current state of global development as a “development emergency,” highlighting the urgent need for renewed commitment and action. 

Against this backdrop, South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme; “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” is both timely and relevant.  

These principles resonate deeply with infrastructure development. By investing in resilient, inclusive transport systems, South Africa is not just fixing roads; it’s paving a path toward regional leadership. 

South Africa’s G20 leadership offers a unique opportunity to bring African perspectives to the forefront and advocates for solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of the Global South. 

Since assuming the Presidency, South Africa has made it a priority to elevate the African Agenda. We have championed issues such as sustainable development, equitable access to finance, food security, infrastructure investment and the empowerment of women and youth. These priorities have resonated strongly across G20 working groups and ministerial engagements, and we are proud of the progress made in aligning global priorities with Africa’s development objectives. 

The upcoming summit will mark the culmination of months of strategic engagement, policy dialogue and diplomatic coordination. It will bring together Heads of State, Ministers and global leaders to discuss key outcomes and commitments. For South Africa, this is an opportunity to consolidate our leadership, showcase our capabilities, and reaffirm our role as a bridge between developed and developing nations. 

The significance of our Presidency extends beyond diplomacy. It has delivered tangible benefits to our economy and society. The international spotlight on South Africa provides a platform to boost investor confidence, stimulate local industries, and create new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange. Our cities, heritage and innovation have been showcased on the global stage. Much like the 2010 FIFA World Cup – the first ever held on African soil – this summit and the G20 Presidency are poised to leave a legacy. 

As public sector leaders, we have a critical role to play in ensuring that the momentum generated by the G20 Presidency translates into lasting impact. This requires coordinated action across departments and all spheres of government to implement summit outcomes, strengthen regional partnerships and embed global best practices into our national development strategies. It also means deepening public engagement, so that citizens understand the relevance of the G20 to their lives and fostering a sense of pride in South Africa’s achievements. 

Our G20 Presidency has also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of multilateralism and inclusive governance. In a world marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, we have demonstrated that principled leadership, rooted in collaboration and shared values, can drive meaningful change.  

This Presidency has also reaffirmed the importance of investing in our institutions, empowering our youth and building a future rooted in equity, innovation and sustainability. It has underscored the critical role of regional integration and the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area to unlock new pathways for growth.  Most importantly, it has brought renewed urgency to the task of addressing systemic inequalities – both within nations and across the global system. 

As we approach the summit, let us reflect on the journey we have undertaken. From the initial handover of the Presidency to the extensive consultations and preparations that followed, South Africa has embraced this responsibility with determination, purpose and vision. We have built consensus, fostered dialogue and positioned Africa as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of global governance. 

Let us also look ahead with purpose. The G20 Summit is not the end; it is a beginning. It offers a platform to launch new initiatives, deepen strategic partnerships and drive transformative change. It is an opportunity to build a legacy that future generations can inherit with pride. At the end of the summit, South Africa will hand over the G20 Presidency to the United States – but the work we have started will continue, guided by the momentum we have built and the shared commitment to a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world. Let us work together in ensuring that this G20 Summit under the Presidency of South Africa is remembered as the moment South Africa shifted gears—accelerating toward a future where infrastructure is not just functional, but transformational. 

We thank all public servants for their commitment to service excellence and to the advancement of our country and continent. Your work is the backbone of our democracy and the engine of our development. As we prepare to host the world, let us do so with confidence, unity and a shared sense of purpose, knowing that the work we do today will shape the future of our country, continent and the world.v