5 Things to Know as Africa Hosts Its First G20 Summit

Leaders of the world’s major economies will gather in Johannesburg on November 22–23 for the G20 summit, the first time this high-stakes global meeting will take place on African soil.

For South Africa, it is a defining diplomatic moment; for the rest of the continent, it is a rare chance to move from the margins of global decision-making to the centre of the room.

The summit comes at a time of overlapping crises: sluggish global growth, deepening inequality, climate shocks, debt distress in many developing countries, and growing geopolitical tension between major powers. 

Here are five key things to know.

1. A Historic First for Africa

The G20, formed in 1999, brings together 19 countries plus two regional blocs: the European Union and the African Union. South Africa, the only African member of the G20, holds the rotating presidency this year, marking the first time the summit is being hosted on the continent.

G20 members collectively represent around 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. The AU joined the group as a permanent member in 2023, strengthening Africa’s voice within the forum.

2. Theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’

South Africa has anchored its presidency on the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

Its priorities include:

• strengthening disaster and climate resilience,
  
• addressing debt sustainability for low-income countries,
  
• financing a just energy transition, and
  
• harnessing Africa’s critical minerals for inclusive growth.
  

To highlight global inequality, South Africa commissioned an expert panel led by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, which recommended creating an intergovernmental body to tackle what it calls a global “inequality emergency.”

3. A Summit Without the United States

In an unprecedented move, the United States will not have any officials at the summit. President Donald Trump ordered a full boycott, criticising South Africa’s G20 leadership and repeating inflammatory claims about the country’s internal affairs. The U.S. has also imposed steep 30% tariffs on South African exports.

Despite concerns that the absence of the world’s largest economy could weaken key negotiations — particularly on climate finance and debt reform — Pretoria has dismissed the boycott as America’s “loss.”

Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, is also skipping the event, while Russia’s Vladimir Putin will once again be represented by his delegation rather than attending in person.

4. Johannesburg in the Global Spotlight

The summit will take place at the Nasrec Expo Centre, South Africa’s largest purpose-built conference venue, located near Soweto and chosen to represent post-apartheid spatial integration.

Adjacent to the stadium that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, Nasrec is a familiar site for major political gatherings and national conventions.

The event has also drawn attention to Johannesburg itself — a city built during an 1880s gold rush, now home to around six million people. While it boasts Africa’s wealthiest business district, it continues to grapple with failing infrastructure and chronic service delivery problems. Earlier this year, the African Development Bank approved a major loan to support essential upgrades.

5. End of a Global South Leadership Cycle

South Africa’s presidency marks the end of a run of G20 hosts from the Global South — following India, Indonesia, and Brazil, all of whom pushed reforms to global financial institutions and greater support for developing economies.

After this year’s summit, the G20 presidency moves to the United States. President Trump has signalled plans to drastically shrink the platform and questioned whether South Africa should remain a member, raising doubts about the direction and inclusiveness of the G20 in the years ahead.