Johannesburg to Host 20th G20 Summit, Marking a First for Africa

JOHANNESBURG—On November 22–23, 2025, Johannesburg will host the 20th G20 Summit, marking the first time the event is held on the African continent. Under South Africa's presidency, the summit will convene leaders from the world's major economies to address pressing global issues.

The summit's theme, "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," reflects South Africa's commitment to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance of addressing global wealth inequality and mobilizing climate finance, aligning with the country's foreign policy pillars.

In preparation for the summit, South Africa has launched a G20 taskforce led by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz to investigate global wealth inequality and its effects on economic growth and poverty. The taskforce's findings are expected to be presented at the summit.

Additionally, global debt sustainability is anticipated to be a central theme, with discussions focusing on the challenges posed by rising global debt levels and their implications for financial stability.

The summit will also address climate change, with South Africa advocating for increased quality and quantity of climate finance flows to developing economies. This aligns with the country's focus on accelerating the Just Energy Transition and promoting sustainable development.

The event is expected to attract thousands of international delegates, placing Johannesburg in the global spotlight and offering an opportunity to showcase the city's capacity to host high-profile international events.

For media coverage, accreditation is required, with applications open to working journalists affiliated with bona fide media houses. The deadline for accreditation is October 7, 2025.

This summit represents a significant moment for South Africa and the African continent, providing a platform to influence global economic policies and advocate for the interests of developing nations.