South Africa observed 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg and welcomed global leaders from various places. It was the twentieth meeting of the Group of Twenty. A Head of State and Government meeting was held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre on Nov 22 and 23, 2025. It was the first G20 Summit that took place on the African continent.
Watch 🎥 | “The adoption of the Declaration from the summit sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can — and does — deliver.”
– President Cyril Ramaphosa#G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/chUTCDe7nI— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 23, 2025
The 2025 G20 Summit comprised of nations:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- France
- Germany
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Mexico
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Türkiye
- United Kingdom
- United States
- European Union
- African Union
#G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #GovZAUpdates https://t.co/KL56vsETsK
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 23, 2025
G20 in South Africa – First Time Ever
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa presented an official letter in which he has stated that over the past two days, the country hosted leaders from around the world for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.
He highlighted that this is for the first time that the G20 has been hosted on African soil. Ramaphosa recognised the importance of this milestone and said that they have placed Africa’s growth and development with G20 Agenda.
Ramaphosa stated that the G20 matters for South Africa to cement the important role in international affairs, and to support their growth and create jobs for South Africans. They can only achieve the objectives in an environment of global stability, inclusive growth and a level playing field.
Leading up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, they have hosted tens of thousands of delegates for more than 130 meetings in every part of the country, from Gqeberha to George, Cape Town to eThekwini, Hoedpsruit to Polokwane. At the event, South Africa has welcomed visitors from around the world to see and enjoy the beauty of the natural landscapes, the warmth of the people’s hospitality and the sophistication of the economy.
ICYMI🎧| President Cyril Rmaphosa Opens Historic First G20 Leaders’ Summit on African Soil with Call for Global Solidarity and Inclusive Growth.#G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela#GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/VAdJmjpB0J
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 23, 2025
World Needs Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability
The G20 Presidency has been rooted in the conviction that the world needs more solidarity, equality and sustainability. Some have sought to create division and polarisation between the nations, as they have reinforced the shared humanity. South Africa has fostered collaboration and goodwill. Also, they have affirmed that the shared goals outweigh the differences.
South Africa has prioritised the issues that are important for advancing more rapid and inclusive growth in the country. They have reached to agreements that will benefit every person of South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa further stated that they have secured a clear commitment from the international community to address the high levels of debt which divert spending by developing economies, including infrastructure, health and education. They have placed this issue firmly on the agenda to increase their investment on the continent and seize the unique opportunity that Africa presents.
RECAP| President Cyril Ramaphosa advancing national priorities through strategic bilateral engagements.#G20SouthAfrica#GovZAUpdates#ReKaofela pic.twitter.com/I3Su0HUyS9
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 23, 2025
Global Investment for Climate Action
G20 leaders have agreed on the need for increased global investment for climate action. This will be crucial for South Africa as they undertake energy transition to a low carbon economy in a manner that protects workers, businesses and communities.
Being the member of G20, the countries have agreed on the need for scaled up disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction to address the rising impact of extreme heat, floods, droughts and wildfires. The members raised this issue because a few areas in the country, particularly the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, frequently experience disasters.
Also, they have secured international agreement on a new approach to critical minerals so that they become a source of prosperity and sustainable development in the countries that produce them.
This supports the ambition to use the extensive endowment of minerals to become a leading global player, while ensuring that beneficiation takes place in South Africa and creates jobs in mining areas.
A final walk that marks a new beginning. ✅ The G20 Summit is a wrap, but the work for a future of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability is just getting started. Thank you to all who made this historic event a resounding success. The voice of the people was heard.… pic.twitter.com/1YINzls5sY
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 23, 2025
This is People’s G20 – Pres. Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa clearly declares 2025 summit as People’s G20. He said that this has been the People’s G20. It has given new prominence to engagement groups from across the global society. The event has brought together several sectors such as business, labour, parliaments, scientists, think tanks, women, young people, start-ups, civil society, mayors and the media.
The president is proud of what South Africa has achieved in hosting a successful G20 Presidency and guiding countries towards agreement on complex and important issues. This has been the historic effort to which all South Africans have contributed.
They thanked many people who welcomed visitors to the country, and the security services who ensured that the G20 Leaders’ Summit and all G20 events took place without incident. They presented their gratitude to all the members of different social sectors who participated in the engagement groups and in other G20 activities throughout the year.
The Premiers and Mayors were also acknowledged for being such welcoming hosts. They thanked the Ministers and Deputy Ministers, G20 Sherpas and government officials who guided the deliberations with wisdom and purpose.
Many foreign leaders and delegates came to the country and recognised what is South Africans Ubuntu spirit is all about. The success of the G20 Leader’s Summit shows that South Africa is a country on the rise.