With just 100 days to go before the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil, South Africa says preparations for the historic gathering in Johannesburg are in top gear.
As G20 president, South Africa has so far hosted 87 out of 132 planned meetings across both the Sherpa and Finance tracks. The final ministerial sessions in September are expected to shape the Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration, which will focus on the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
The declaration is expected to set the tone for the global economic agenda, with particular emphasis on tackling inequality and addressing sovereign debt challenges. To drive this process, President Cyril Ramaphosa has inaugurated a G20 taskforce, led by Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, to examine global wealth disparities and recommend practical solutions.
However, diplomatic attention has turned to the possible absence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The American leader has been critical of South Africa’s policies—particularly land reform—and has hinted at sending a representative instead of attending in person.
Responding to the uncertainty, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, stressed that the country is pressing ahead regardless.
“We will proceed with the G20 Leaders’ Summit with or without President Trump. It’s an unpredictable situation,” Lamola said.
The summit, scheduled for November in Johannesburg, is expected to attract world leaders, policymakers, and economists, marking a defining moment in Africa’s role in shaping global economic governance.
