G20 Presidency: South Africa’s Leadership Moment Amid Global Challenges
South Africa has been holding the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, leading discussions among the world's largest economies at a time of global uncertainty. This comes just five years before the United Nations 2030 Agenda deadline, with many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) falling behind. According to the UN, only 12% of SDG targets are currently on track, while over 30% have stalled or reversed.
As the world grapples with climate change, economic inequality, debt crises, and geopolitical tensions, South Africa's leadership will focus on building partnerships, promoting inclusive growth, and accelerating sustainable development. Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"— the country aims to foster global cooperation under the theme:
“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”
Solidarity – Promoting collective action to create a more inclusive global economy.
Equality – Addressing wealth disparities and ensuring fair opportunities for all.
Sustainability – Advancing economic and environmental policies that support long-term growth.
What This Means for South Africa
Leading the G20 offers South Africa a unique opportunity to shape global economic policies while addressing pressing national and regional challenges. The Presidency will allow the country to:
Advocate for African and Global South priorities, including fair trade, climate action, and financial stability.
Push for sustainable financing solutions to reduce inequality and support economic development.
Strengthen international partnerships to drive investment and economic growth in South Africa and across Africa.
However, hosting and leading G20 activities comes with financial responsibilities.
Where Does the Funding Come From?
According to the National Treasury’s G20 Funding Guidelines, financing for South Africa’s G20 Presidency will come from:
Reprioritising existing government budgets – Departments will fund G20 activities by reallocating resources rather than receiving additional funding.
Supplementary government funding – Some additional allocations were made in 2024, with more expected in the 2025 Budget for critical areas like security and communication.
Sponsorships from businesses and institutions – A G20 Sponsorship Committee will manage partnerships with corporate and international sponsors to reduce the burden on state funds.
To ensure transparency and accountability, all spending must comply with Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) rules, and departments must report G20-related funding and sponsorships to the National Treasury.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not just about hosting high-level meetings—it’s about driving meaningful global change. By championing economic fairness, sustainability, and international cooperation, South Africa has the chance to leave a lasting impact on global governance and economic development.
