The summit, held 22–23 November 2025, marks the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit has taken place on the African continent. The event represents a major milestone for South Africa and for Africa more broadly, signaling the region’s growing importance in global economic governance.
Hosted under South Africa’s G20 presidency, the summit is chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and is expected to bring together leaders, ministers, and representatives from the Group of Twenty (G20) — a bloc representing around 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population.
The Johannesburg Expo Centre at NASREC, south of the city near FNB Stadium, serves as the central venue for meetings, negotiations, and diplomatic engagements throughout the summit.
South Africa has framed its G20 presidency around the theme:
“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
The summit agenda focuses on several global priorities, including:
Debt sustainability for developing economies
Climate and disaster resilience
Energy transition and green financing
Responsible development of critical minerals
Strengthening global economic cooperation
South Africa has emphasized that the summit should highlight the needs of developing nations and the Global South, particularly African economies facing rising debt, climate vulnerability, and uneven access to development financing.
