The 2025 G20 Summit, scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on November 22-23, marks a historic milestone as the first gathering to be held on African soil. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa aims to reorient global economic governance towards the priorities of the Global South. However, the summit will be overshadowed by the absence of the leaders of the United States and China, sparking debate about the future direction of multilateralism.
South Africa’s presidency has set ambitious objectives, including reforming global financial systems, securing debt sustainability for developing nations, driving a just energy transition, enhancing food security, and tackling global inequality. For the first time in G20 history, inequality is a primary agenda item, rather than a supporting conversation.
The absence of the US president, citing domestic issues in South Africa, comes at a time of internal political turmoil and legal controversies in Washington. China’s president will also not attend, with Beijing opting to send its premier instead, reflecting a mix of domestic political recalibration and strategic positioning amid heightened global tension.
The absence of the two superpowers creates an opportunity for middle-power nations and the developing world to shape the agenda on their own terms. For Africa, this may be the most consequential G20 yet, with the African Union now a permanent participant and South Africa steering the presidency. The continent holds its strongest-ever position within global economic decision-making, with core issues such as debt, climate finance, food systems, and industrialization being discussed.
Africa is expected to push for real debt restructuring mechanisms, fairer representation in financial institutions, significantly expanded climate finance, and industrial partnerships that allow African countries to move up the value chain. Despite global uncertainties, South Africa’s leadership is unmistakable, underscoring Pretoria’s growing diplomatic influence and determination to reorient global governance towards a more just and inclusive world order.
The summit’s outcome will be closely watched, as it has the potential to shape the future of global economic governance and multilateralism. With the world’s attention focused on Johannesburg, Africa has a unique opportunity to assert its collective interests and shape the agenda on its own terms. The success of the summit will depend on the ability of participating nations to find common ground and work towards a more equitable and sustainable global economy.