The first G20 summit ever held on African soil concluded in Johannesburg after two days of intensive talks that placed the continent’s priorities firmly at the centre of the global agenda. Convened under South Africa’s presidency and the banner of “solidarity, equality and sustainability”, the gathering brought together world leaders to confront a wide range of economic, environmental and geopolitical challenges. The summit took place on 22-23 November, 2025.
Debt Pressures and Patchy Growth Take Centre Stage
Much of the early discussion revolved around the strain that mounting debt places on developing nations. Leaders acknowledged that the fiscal pressures facing low-income countries are increasingly limiting their ability to tackle poverty and invest in long-term development. While no binding commitments were made, there was broad support for strengthening multilateral efforts to ease debt burdens and for the voluntary use of tools such as crisis-resilient debt clauses.
The issue fed into a wider debate about sustainable and inclusive growth. Delegates underscored the importance of fairer tax systems, backing ongoing international work to improve global tax cooperation and address how tax policy interacts with inequality and economic mobility. The EU, which has pushed firmly for more coordinated multilateral solutions, maintained that closing the financing gap for global development goals will require a fairer and more predictable international tax landscape.
Reforming the Global Financial Architecture
Calls to modernise global financial institutions also featured prominently. Leaders stressed the need for development banks to become more responsive and more aligned with climate and environmental priorities. Greater investment—particularly from the private sector—was deemed essential to helping poorer countries transition to cleaner, more resilient economies. The EU emphasised its continued role as the world’s leading provider of development finance. EU member states together account for more than two-fifths of all official development aid globally and more than half of the debt restructured by the Paris Club.
Trade and the Steady Unravelling of Global Ties
Amid rising geopolitical competition, leaders again voiced support for rules-based global trade governed by the World Trade Organization. They argued that tighter cooperation across regions, and especially with developing economies, remains vital for driving growth and creating jobs. Europe, as the top trading partner for dozens of countries, reiterated its backing for open markets and predictable trade rules.
Climate, Disasters and Energy Transition
The summit came at a time when climate-related shocks continue to intensify. Leaders warned that disasters—whether driven by climate change, conflict or environmental degradation—are increasing in frequency and severity. They urged governments, financial institutions and the private sector to strengthen disaster-preparedness, coordinate responses and invest in long-term resilience. Energy transition was another focal point, with African nations highlighting both the inequality they face and the opportunities available as the global energy system evolves. Leaders committed to expanding renewable energy capacity and improving energy efficiency by 2030, while acknowledging the funding gap that continues to hinder poorer countries. They called for far greater investment to support a just and equitable energy transition.
Food Security Concerns Deepen
Figures presented at the summit painted a stark picture: up to 720 million people faced hunger last year, while more than 2.6 billion struggled to afford nutritious diets. Leaders agreed that strengthening agriculture, aquaculture and food systems—particularly for smallholder farmers—must remain a global priority. They also endorsed open, non-discriminatory trade policies to safeguard food supplies.
Climate Commitments Renewed Ahead of a Crucial Decade
On the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the G20 reaffirmed its commitment to cutting emissions and accelerating adaptation efforts. The EU, which remains the largest public contributor to global climate finance, reported that it mobilised over €42 billion in public and private climate funding in 2024 alone.
Critical Minerals and Africa’s Expanding Role
As the global economy shifts towards cleaner technologies, demand for critical minerals has surged. Leaders endorsed a new G20 framework aimed at ensuring responsible exploration, transparent standards and resilient supply chains. African nations, home to some of the world’s richest mineral reserves, were highlighted as potential beneficiaries—provided investments create value locally and support sustainable development.
Digital Governance and the AI for Africa Initiative
Artificial intelligence also found its way onto the agenda. While delegates acknowledged the economic potential of AI and emerging technologies, they insisted that human rights, transparency and robust governance must underpin their development. The summit welcomed the launch of the AI for Africa initiative, designed to expand digital capacity across the continent.
Reducing Inequality and Protecting Social Rights
Reducing inequality was presented as a central pillar of long-term global stability. Leaders backed efforts to strengthen universal social protection systems and urged countries to pursue progressive taxation and structural reforms. They reiterated their commitment to advancing women’s rights, expanding access to economic resources and eradicating gender-based violence.
A Renewed Commitment to Multilateralism
At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, the summit attempted to project a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation. Leaders reaffirmed support for the United Nations and called for lasting peace in several conflict zones, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They also backed efforts to modernise global governance institutions.
Talks on Ukraine and Bilateral Meetings
On the sidelines of the summit, European, Canadian and Japanese leaders met to review the draft US proposal for a Ukraine peace plan. While acknowledging the document as a starting point, they raised concerns about provisions that could leave Ukraine vulnerable, stressing that any clauses involving the EU or NATO must have the approval of the respective organisations. President António Costa also held a series of bilateral meetings, including discussions with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
A Landmark African Summit
The Johannesburg gathering follows last year’s summit in Rio de Janeiro, but its symbolism—being the first G20 held on African soil—was not lost on participants. With the African Union now a permanent G20 member, leaders suggested the shift could mark the beginning of a more inclusive global order, one in which Africa plays a much greater role in shaping economic and environmental priorities.
