G20
The G20 (Group of Twenty) is an international forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union, representing the world's major advanced and emerging economies. Established in 1999 in the wake of the Asian financial crisis, the G20 was initially a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors, but was elevated to a leaders' summit in 2008 during the global financial crisis. Member countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States, alongside the EU. Together, G20 members account for approximately 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade and about two-thirds of the world's population. The forum meets annually, with the presidency rotating among member states, and focuses on coordinating policy on issues including financial stability, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy and anticorruption. The G20 has no permanent secretariat; each host country organises the summit and sets the agenda for its term. South Africa became a founding member in 1999 and is the only African nation in the group, giving it a platform to represent broader continental interests. Decisions and commitments are articulated in leaders' communiqués and declarations, though the G20 has no binding enforcement mechanism. The forum also engages with international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations, and consults civil society and business groups through outreach programmes.
G20 Updates
Has the AU successfully taken Africa’s G20 baton from South Africa?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th September 2026 Africa’s G20 priorities have lost ground under the US presidency, with little pushback from the AU or other development-focused members. Has the... →
Senegal agrees to restore 'debt sustainability' in return for IMF programme
By: Reuters 2nd September 2026 The International Monetary Fund and Senegal have reached a staff-level agreement for a $2.2-billion three-year loan package, the IMF said on... →
The economy we are waiting for may never arrive: we need to imagine new paths to development
By: Econ3x3 27th August 2026 South Africa’s development challenge is not only economic; it is also one of imagination. We need to find new areas where growth, innovation, and... →
South African exporters: Take note!
21st August 2026 The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has shifted from paperwork to payment in 2026 and South African exporters of steel, aluminium, cement... →
DHA launches Electronic Travel Authorisation platform to boost tourism, curb corruption
By: Schalk Burger 13th August 2026 The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has launched South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) platform, which was designed to modernise... →
South Africa adds Angolan kwanza to regional cross-border payment system 
By: Reuters 27th July 2026 South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Monday that the Angolan kwanza has become the first new settlement currency added to... →
Ramaphosa calls on S Africans to use Mandela Day to fight poverty, inequality
By: Thabi Shomolekae 13th July 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged South Africans to use the upcoming Nelson Mandela International Day to refocus national efforts on tackling... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, during the SDG 4 High-Level Steering Committee leaders meeting France (10/07/2026)
10th July 2026 We meet at a time when our world faces complex and interconnected challenges including conflicts, pandemics, poverty and inequality, and the... →
SA: Patricia De Lille: Address by Tourism Minister, during the Latam Flight launch (03/07/2026)
6th July 2026 Today marks an important milestone for the future of connectivity, trade, investment and cooperation between two dynamic regions of the Global... →
Gender equality and the climate crisis: resolutions at the Human Rights Council
19th June 2026 Since 2008, the Human Rights Council (HRC) has brought a human rights lens to climate action, playing a leading role in analysing and recognising... →
