Johannesburg prepares to welcome world leaders this weekend as South Africa hosts its first-ever G20 Leaders' Summit from November 22-23, 2025 – marking both the forum's debut on African soil and the continent's inaugural leadership of this critical economic platform.
A New Vision for Global Cooperation
Under its presidency theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," South Africa brings the African philosophy of Ubuntu ("I am because we are") to address what experts describe as a global polycrisis. The summit occurs against a backdrop of slowing economic growth, with World Bank projections indicating 2025's expansion could be the weakest in 17 years outside recession periods.
Economic Headwinds Demand Action
Recent IMF analysis reveals concerning trends for G20 economies:
Emerging markets facing particular development challenges
Global GDP growth projected to average just 2.5% through 2027
"This slowdown threatens hard-won gains in poverty reduction," notes the World Bank, citing that extreme poverty cases have risen slightly in 2025 after decades of decline.
Pathways to Inclusive Growth
Key summit agenda items include:
Coordinated responses to debt crises
Climate finance mechanisms
Technology transfer frameworks
Reforming multilateral institutions
As delegates finalize preparations, all eyes turn to Johannesburg – where Africa's leadership moment could reshape global economic governance.
