G20 Presidency Will Uplift South Africa’s Economy Globally

“South Africa should leverage the World Economic Forum to highlight its work in preparation for its G20 Presidency. These two forums are interconnected, so South Africa must use the World Economic Forum to emphasise its efforts under the G20 presidency.” – Xhanti Payi, South Africa’s senior economist.

A coup de grâce for the Rainbow Nation to host the world’s top 20 powerhouses Fresh from leading the trailblazing Government of National Unity (GNU) delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, President Cyril Ramaphosa now faces the critical mission of elevating South Africa’s global economic standing as the country prepares to host the G20 Summit.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on  December 1 2024 and will hold the position until November 2025, marking a significant moment for the new nation founded by President Nelson Mandela at the end of apartheid in the 1990s. As a progressive, human rights-oriented country, Pretoria is poised to set the tone for accelerating the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda over the next five years.

Under the theme Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, the presidency logo—a King Protea— symbolises resilience, cultural pride, hope, and natural beauty. This iconic flower reflects the ethos of a nation striving for renewal and inclusion.

When handing South Africa the G20 Presidency, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the urgent need for progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that only 12% of targets were on track, while progress on 50% was weak or stagnant.

Guterres called for a paradigm shift and practical ways forward, emphasizing that the next five G20 presidencies must prioritize SDG acceleration. Opportunity Amid Economic Challenges: The G20 Presidency provides South Africa with an unparalleled opportunity to influence global economic discussions on critical issues such as growth, trade, climate change, and sustainable development.

This milestone builds on the momentum of the GNU delegation’s historic participation at the WEF, where 350 government officials, 900 CEOs, and 3 000 participants converged to explore global economic opportunities.

At an annual salary of R3.9 million, Ramaphosa demonstrated his trademark charm and strategic vision, leading South Africa’s first all-party delegation to Davos since the advent of democracy in 1994. This move, under the GNU, signals a united front to international investors.

Economist Xhanti Payi remarked: “The involvement of opposition parties in government could boost investor confidence. President Ramaphosa’s policies are more likely to succeed with broad government support.” However, Payi cautioned about logistical hurdles affecting South Africa’s competitiveness, including challenges in the import-export infrastructure and the ongoing energy crisis: “Countries like Mozambique are capitalising on our vulnerabilities,” he warned, highlighting the need for urgent reforms.

A Team Reflecting Unity: The GNU delegation to Davos, which symbolised South Africa’s diversity and unity, included:

• Ronald Lamola – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
• Enoch Godongwana – Minister of Finance
• Parks Tau – Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition
• Kgosientsho Ramokgopa – Minister of Electricity and Energy
• Blade Nzimande – Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
• Solly Malatsi – Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
• Dion George – Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Environment
• Aaron Motsoaledi – Minister of Health
• John Steenhuisen – Minister of Agriculture

President Ramaphosa described the delegation as “a reflection of the diverse and unified ethos of the GNU,” emphasizing their mission to attract investment and build partnerships to support South Africa’s reconstruction and development.

G20 Goals for South Africa: Under South Africa’s leadership, the G20 aims to:

• Promote unity in addressing global challenges.
• Foster equitable opportunities for growth and inclusion.
• Encourage collaborative and sustainable development efforts.

The G20, comprising 19 countries and two regional blocs (the EU and AU), represents the world’s leading economic players. As a member of BRICS, South Africa can draw on India’s recent experience as G20 host to deliver a successful summit.

A Call for Global Cooperation: In a world fractured by wars and conflicts, the G20 nations can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development and fostering collaboration. South Africa’s presidency is a chance to shape this agenda and leave a lasting legacy.

President Ramaphosa captured this vision at the WEF, stating: “As Chair of the G20, South Africa will advocate for solidarity, equality, and sustainability, emphasizing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental responsibility. We are positioning ourselves as a hub for investment, focusing on modernizing industries, advancing skills, and addressing societal inequalities.”

With the G20 Presidency, South Africa stands on the threshold of a transformative era—one where the Rainbow Nation can inspire unity, drives economic recovery, and champion sustainable development on the global stage.

Some of the takeaways and anecdotes from the WEF highlighted the six colours of flag’s cultural diversity in the conversations that counted: The GNU delegation’s ability to foster meaningful conversations extended beyond official sessions. Informal coffee break chats and chance meetings in the bustling corridors of Davos often proved just as valuable. Ramaphosa’s unassuming demeanour in these settings won allies, while the delegation’s unified messaging consistently emphasised SA’s readiness to engage in collaborative problem-solving on issues like climate change, food security, and inclusive growth.

Finally, a resounding message: Ramaphosa’s closing address was a rallying cry for global collaboration. Standing before an audience of economic heavyweights, he declared: “South Africa is not just a participant in the global economy. We are a partner, a contributor, and a leader. The G20 Presidency is our moment to drive global solidarity, push for equality, and champion sustainability—not just for our country but for the world.”

At the 2025 annual meeting, Team South Africa included several prominent companies, like Exxaro, ABSA, Naspers, Old Mutual, South African Tourism, South African Breweries (SAB, and others – all major employers with workforces running into hundreds of thousands.

In Davos-Klosters, South Africa presented not just policies, but stories of resilience, ambition, and hope. These anecdotes captured the spirit of a nation ready to rise to its challenges and lead on the global stage, provided it sorts out its triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and crime.

Sikelel‘iAfrika (God Bless Africa).