South Africa assumes the G20 presidency in November 2025. No doubt, this will be a historic milestone for the African continent. For the first time, an African nation will chair the world’s premier economic forum, bringing the continent’s most urgent challenges into sharp focus for the world. The summit presents a vital opportunity to address three interconnected crises that Africa has been suffering from for a long time: crushing debt burdens, unfulfilled climate finance commitments, and deepening global inequality.
These issues go far beyond policy discussions — they’re about the survival and well-being of millions of people across Africa. Though the African continent contributes less than 4% to global carbon emissions, the reality is, the continent bears some of the harshest consequences of climate change. At the same time, the heavy burden of debt repayments to the rich countries drains funds that could otherwise support essential sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
South Africa’s G20 presidency theme—”Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”—signals an ambitious agenda. But rhetoric alone won’t solve these problems. The question now is whether G20 leaders will move beyond promises to deliver and take concrete action that transforms Africa’s economic trajectory.
Debt Crisis: Breaking the Cycle of Borrowing and Dependency
According to the statistics, Africa’s debt situation has reached alarming levels. Many countries spend more servicing external debt than they do on essential services, such as education or healthcare. In recent years, countries such as Zambia, Ghana, and Ethiopia have either defaulted on their debt or been forced to restructure it. Others teeter on the edge.
The problem isn’t simply the amount owed—it’s the terms. High interest rates, short repayment periods, and currency vulnerabilities create a vicious cycle. Countries borrow to cover basic needs, then borrow more to service existing debt—economic growth stalls. Investment dries up. The cycle continues.
South Africa is expected to push for comprehensive debt relief mechanisms at the G20 summit in Johannesburg. This includes extending the G20’s Common Framework beyond its current limited scope and creating more transparent lending practices. Chinese lenders, who hold significant portions of African debt, will face pressure to participate more actively in restructuring efforts.
But debt relief alone isn’t enough. African nations need access to affordable financing for development projects that can generate future revenue. The summit must explore innovative financing instruments, including debt-for-climate swaps and concessional lending facilities that don’t trap countries in perpetual dependency.
Climate Finance: Bridging the Promise–Delivery Gap
Rich nations have repeatedly promised to mobilise $100 billion annually to help developing countries address climate change. That target, first set in 2009 at the Copenhagen climate summit, has never been fully met. African countries have watched as pledges come and go, while floods, droughts, and extreme weather events continue to devastate their economies.
Africa is expected to require approximately $250 billion per year by 2030 to meet its climate adaptation and mitigation needs. Current financing falls woefully short, and much of what does arrive comes in the form of loans rather than grants, thereby adding to the debt burden.
South Africa’s G20 presidency offers a crucial chance to push for real accountability on global commitments. African leaders are expected to call for transparent tracking of climate finance, simplified access mechanisms, and a shift toward grant-based funding for adaptation projects. They’ll also push for reforms to multilateral development banks, which often impose restrictive conditions that limit Africa’s ability to deploy climate finance effectively.
The continent isn’t asking for charity. It’s demanding justice. As we said at the beginning of the article the Africa’s contribution to global emissions is minimal. But the continent faces a disproportionate share of climate-related hardships. Climate finance isn’t aid—it’s compensation for historical emissions and investment in a sustainable global future.
Inequality: Inclusive Growth or Global Divide?
Global inequality has widened dramatically over the past decade. The wealth gap between rich and poor nations continues to grow, exacerbated by trade imbalances, limited technology transfer, and unequal access to global markets. Africa, despite its vast natural resources and young population, remains largely excluded from many value chains.
The continent produces raw materials but rarely benefits from their processing or manufacturing. For example, if we say that Cocoa beans are exported from Africa at low prices, only to return as expensive chocolate bars. Minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries are extracted under exploitative conditions while manufacturing profits flow elsewhere. This extractive model perpetuates poverty and inequality.
The G20 summit must address structural barriers that prevent inclusive growth. African leaders will advocate for fairer trade agreements, investment in local manufacturing capacity, and technology transfers that enable countries to move up the value chain. They’ll also push for reforms to the international tax system, which currently allows multinational corporations to shift profits away from African countries where value is created.
Education and skills development are equally critical. Africa’s youth population is its greatest asset, but only if young people have access to quality education and employment opportunities. The summit should prioritise initiatives that build human capital and create pathways for meaningful participation in the global economy.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Stage for the Continent
South Africa doesn’t carry the weight of this presidency alone. The African Union holds permanent observer status at the G20, ensuring continental representation. However, South Africa’s leadership presents a unique opportunity to amplify African voices and drive for systemic change.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that the presidency will advance pan-African development goals, not just national interests. This collaborative approach strengthens Africa’s negotiating position and demonstrates unity on critical issues. Other African nations, from Kenya to Senegal, are contributing expertise and advocating for shared priorities.
The challenge is translating this solidarity into tangible outcomes. Past G20 summits have produced lengthy communiqués filled with ambitious commitments that fade as soon as leaders return home. To drive meaningful progress, South Africa must advocate for enforceable agreements with defined deadlines, monitoring systems, and penalties for non-compliance.
Women leaders are playing a prominent role in shaping the summit agenda. Figures like Nzinga Qunta have been instrumental in organising events like “G20 Women to Africa,” which highlights gender equality as central to sustainable development. Their involvement ensures that African women’s perspectives—often marginalised in global forums—receive the attention they deserve.
Global Stakes: Why the World Should Care
Africa’s challenges aren’t confined to the continent. Debt crises trigger financial instability that ripples through global markets. Climate disasters displace millions, creating humanitarian emergencies and migration pressures. Persistent inequality fuels political instability and conflict.
Conversely, Africa’s success benefits everyone. A prosperous Africa means expanded markets for global trade, reduced migration pressures, and stronger partnerships to address shared challenges, such as pandemics and climate change. The continent’s vast renewable energy potential could drive a global green transition if it is adequately supported.
G20 nations have both moral and practical reasons to act. Ethical, because many of today’s inequalities stem from historical injustices, including colonialism and exploitative economic practices. Useful, because a thriving Africa contributes to global stability and prosperity.
The summit will test whether the international community is prepared to move beyond performative gestures. Empty promises and photo opportunities won’t suffice. African nations are demanding structural reforms that redistribute power and resources more equitably.
Africa’s Own Growth: Unlock Easy Cross-Border Business Environment
One of the most significant opportunities for accelerating Africa’s growth lies in creating a seamless cross-border business environment across the continent. By reducing trade barriers among the countries, harmonizing regulations, and investing in infrastructure such as efficient customs systems and reliable transport links, African nations can unlock new markets and attract investment from the world.
For this, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) officially entered into force on May 30, 2019, demonstrating the continent’s commitment to this vision, offering the potential to boost intra-African trade, foster innovation, and support homegrown industries. Making it easier to do business across borders will empower African entrepreneurs, encourage regional value chains, and ensure that prosperity is shared across the continent.
Upcoming G20 Summit That Could Change the Future of Africa
November’s G20 summit in Johannesburg marks a significant turning point. One path leads to continued inaction, broken promises, and deepening crises. The other offers genuine partnership, transformative investment, and a more equitable global order.
African leaders are aware of the stakes. They’ve prepared thoroughly, mobilised civil society, and built coalitions to advance their priorities. The question is whether G20 nations will listen and act with the urgency required in this moment and in response to these demands.
History will judge this summit not by its declarations but by its outcomes. Did it deliver debt relief that frees resources for development? Did it close the climate finance gap with real money, not hollow commitments? Did it dismantle barriers that perpetuate inequality?
In the twenty-first century, Africa’s priorities for the G20 summit aren’t requests—they’re requirements for a sustainable and just global future. The continent has waited long enough. It’s time for action that matches the scale of the crisis. The world is watching. Africa is ready. The question is: Is the G20?