Africa takes center stage: South Africa to host historic 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa — November 5, 2025 — The Nasrec Convention Centre will welcome world leaders, diplomats, business executives, and activists to discuss the future of global cooperation, trade, and sustainability.

What is the G20?

The G20 unites the world’s largest economies—representing over 80% of global GDP—to tackle shared challenges such as economic stability, climate change, and sustainable development.

Political Tensions and Global Reactions

The summit has stirred mixed reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend, instead sending Vice President JD Vance, as Washington criticized South Africa’s theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” Saudi Arabia has voiced hesitation on renewable energy, while Argentina questioned the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Still, many nations, including Turkey, have praised the event as a milestone for elevating Africa’s priorities. Turkish Ambassador Nilvana Darama Yildirimgec emphasized that global economic reform must reflect the interests of developing nations and benefit “all people, not just a select few.”

A man walks past a billboard with portraits of G20 leaders at the entrance for the Nov. 22nd G20 Leaders's Summit . The meeting of the Group of twenty heads of state will convene in Johannesburg, but the U.S. will not be attending. Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Images Europe

Africa's Priorities at the G20

With South Africa leading, the summit will spotlight Africa’s key priorities:

• Climate Finance: Urging developed nations to honor climate adaptation funding commitments.
• Debt Relief: Addressing unsustainable debt that limits investment in health, education, and infrastructure.
• Fair Trade Access: Removing barriers that hinder African exports from competing globally.
• Digital Infrastructure: Expanding connectivity to drive innovation and economic inclusion.

Africa's Moment of Leadership

Home to over 1.5 billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Africa is positioning itself as a key player in shaping global policy. The 2025 G20 Summit is expected to amplify African voices and ensure reforms align with the continent’s economic realities and developmental ambitions.

Beyond the Summit

As the summit closes on November 23, the focus will shift to accountability. Civil society, journalists, and advocacy groups will play a vital role in ensuring that commitments on climate funding, debt relief, and trade reform translate into real progress—cementing Africa’s role in building a sustainable global future.