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
More critical than ever: strengthening growth and resilience through the multilateral development banks
16th October 2026 With aid in record decline, private finance flat and China now a net debt collector, multilateral development banks (MDBs) have become more... →
US wants Senegal debt restructuring wrapped up in less than a year
By: Reuters 15th October 2026 The United States views Senegal's request for debt restructuring as a "great example" of progress on the Group of 20 Common Framework, and wants to... →
IMF's Georgieva optimistic on Senegal debt treatment under improved G20 framework
By: Reuters 14th October 2026 International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Wednesday that she was optimistic that Senegal would be able to... →
Daily Podcast – October 08, 2026
By: Thabi Shomolekae 8th October 2026 Making headlines: Gauteng DA leads march against GBV, demands action; South Africa needs more resilience to climate change; And, Ethiopia names... →
Ethiopia names Fitsum as new finance minister
By: Reuters 8th October 2026 Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday named Fitsum Assefa Adela as finance minister in his new cabinet, replacing Ahmed Shide who has... →
Developing countries hit by overlapping crises, UNDP chief warns 
By: Reuters 2nd October 2026 Rising energy costs, a super El Nino and soaring borrowing costs are increasing pressure on developing countries, with conditions nearing those of... →
Daily Podcast – October 01, 2026
By: Halima Frost 1st October 2026 Making headlines: ActionSA welcomes IEC opposition to ‘hypocritical’ DA electoral court challenge; Major development banks launch new guidelines to... →
Major development banks launch new guidelines to capture, and boost, cash mobilisation
By: Reuters 1st October 2026 A group of 30 multilateral development banks and finance institutions is launching new joint methodologies that aim to accurately measure, and... →
US-South Africa rift: separating the optics from the substance
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 30th September 2026 As political space between the countries widens, durable commercial ties and strategic interests provide room for a pragmatic bargain. Despite... →
South Africa defers Paris Club bid, turns to borrowers’ platform
By: Bloomberg 29th September 2026 South Africa told the Paris Club that it won’t seek full membership of the group of mostly rich-nation creditors, as it focuses on its involvement... →
