In 2025, South Africa takes centre stage as the first African country to lead the G20 presidency — a landmark moment for the continent. As the world grapples with economic instability, climate change, inflation, and geopolitical tensions, South Africa’s G20 presidency arrives at a time when bold, inclusive leadership is urgently needed. This role is more than ceremonial; it’s a real chance to place Africa’s most urgent priorities on the global agenda and highlight the continent’s growing influence in shaping a sustainable future.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency Agenda Designed for Africa
The chosen theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” reflects a commitment to equitable global cooperation. It also echoes Africa’s broader development ambitions, as set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Key focus areas include building disaster resilience, ensuring responsible debt management, accelerating the energy transition, and unlocking the potential of Africa’s critical minerals for equitable growth.
With over a third of African economies under threat from debt distress, inflationary pressures rising, and persistent conflicts destabilising regions like the DRC and Sudan, the need for targeted international cooperation is more pressing than ever. Africa is also on the front lines of the climate crisis — despite contributing the least to global emissions — which underscores the urgency of investment in adaptation and resilience.
Amid these challenges, the continent’s abundant mineral resources, essential for global green energy supply chains, present an opportunity for sustainable industrialisation — one that must be guided by African priorities.
Advocating for Africa at the South Africa G20 Presidency Table
South Africa is using its G20 leadership to push for reform in global systems that often leave emerging economies behind. Debt relief, affordable finance, and stronger climate adaptation mechanisms are among the key asks.
Institutions such as AUDA-NEPAD are critical to realising these objectives on the ground, translating global consensus into action through strategic infrastructure, clean energy, and investment projects. For international businesses looking to contribute meaningfully, partnering with experts who understand the African landscape is key.
InterGest South Africa, with its deep-rooted knowledge of the local regulatory environment and pan-African networks, supports companies in navigating the complexities of expansion into the region — ensuring their operations align with broader development goals.
Powering Energy Transition
The move to renewables is a cornerstone of South Africa’s presidency. For Africa, clean energy isn’t just about reducing emissions — it’s about driving inclusive economic growth and solving long-standing energy access challenges.
Projects like Mission 300, spearheaded by AUDA-NEPAD and the African Development Bank, aim to fast-track renewable energy deployment across the continent. South Africa’s advocacy through the G20 is helping rally the necessary global financing to get these initiatives off the ground.
Supporting this transition, InterGest South Africa assists businesses entering energy and infrastructure sectors — enabling them to engage responsibly and effectively in Africa’s evolving green economy.
Growing Access to Development Finance through South Africa’s G20 Presidency
Mobilising sustainable finance is a top priority. Through the Africa Team Flagship Resource Mobilisation Campaign, over 300 initiatives — collectively valued at more than $500 billion — are being aligned under a unified regional vision.
But financing alone isn’t enough — execution is key. AUDA-NEPAD’s role in coordinating efforts and ensuring implementation is vital. Likewise, advisory partners such as InterGest South Africa offer tailored market-entry strategies that enable businesses to contribute to — and benefit from — these development frameworks.
Championing African Ownership
This presidency reinforces an essential truth: Africa’s growth must be led by Africa. Institutions like the AfCFTA, APRM, and AUDA-NEPAD are building the frameworks for self-driven development. But to truly unlock transformation, long-term investment, innovation, and trusted partnerships are needed.
Africa’s natural wealth and young population represent enormous potential. By collaborating with local experts, businesses can align their growth strategies with the continent’s development priorities — contributing to lasting change while tapping into emerging markets.
South Africa’s leadership of the G20 is not just a milestone — it’s a turning point. It places Africa’s development at the heart of global policy discussions and opens new doors for partnerships, investment, and innovation.
As the world turns its attention to Africa, now is the time for businesses to engage strategically. InterGest South Africa is here to guide that journey — helping companies establish a meaningful presence on the continent and play a role in shaping a resilient, prosperous future for Africa and beyond.
Lets connect! – contact@intergest.co.za
Source: African Business 2025
