As South Africa assumed the G20 (Group of Twenty) Presidency from December 2024 to November 2025, it marked a historic milestone as the first-ever G20 presidency hosted on the African continent.  Serving as a premier intergovernmental forum that unites 19 countries, alongside the European Union and the African Union, the G20 presents an opportunity to reshape global conversations and address key economic and social issues, including trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

The responsibility of the G20 Presidency involves coordinating the agenda in consultation with other member nations, addressing emerging developments in the global economy. To facilitate continuity in leadership, the Presidency is supported by a “troika,” which consists of the current, immediate past, and next host countries. For South Africa’s Presidency, the members of the G20 troika will include Brazil, South Africa, and the United States.

The G20 comprises 19 member countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, it has two regional bodies: the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). Collectively, these nations account for an impressive 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and 79% of the world’s population, underscoring the G20’s significant role on the global stage.

The forum is essential for laying the groundwork for global economic stability. The G20 serves as a catalyst for economic development. It plays a vital role in advancing major global commitments, such as the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

South Africa’s presidency highlights the continent’s growing influence in global affairs and seeks to foster collaboration among member states to address key economic and social challenges.

As we approach the G20 Presidency, the world looks to South Africa to champion solidarity, equality, and sustainability for a more inclusive global community.

Learn more: https://g20.org/