G20 summit in South Africa: Key issues set to dominate agenda

World leaders have started to gather in Johannesburg, South Africa for the annual Group of 20 leaders’ summit, which is going to be held on November 22-23, 2025.

This year’s summit is the first ever to be held in an African country. Around 42 countries and institutions will take part in the meeting.

Notably, the US will be absent from this highly-anticipated summit as the country boycotted the meeting over the alleged claims of discrimination against South Africa’s minority white population.

Moreover, China, Russia, Nigeria, Argentina, and Mexico will tangibly be absent from the summit.

Despite the notable absences, the G20 summit will address the key issues that affect Global South countries.

Key issues set to dominate agenda

Global development agenda

The global development agenda will be at the forefront of this summit. The world leaders will make a pledge to promote sustainable development driven by the concerted efforts and common development objectives.

Inclusive economic growth

South Africa will also emphasize on addressing wealth inequalities and promoting inclusive economic growth specifically for vulnerable countries.

The discussion will focus on issues related to international financial architecture, trade, and the international tax system. The talks will also promote inclusive decision-making within financial institutions.

Focus on climate and disaster resilience

South Africa will also lobby the world leaders to increase their spending on climate resilience and disaster responses globally. Food security and clean energy transition will be discussed in the main agenda to tackle climate change.

Other key areas include:

• Providing better debt restructuring to poorer countries through bilateral and financial institutions lending
• Enhancing the flow of climate finance from richer countries to vulnerable ones
• Prioritizing indigenous communities in the midst of global race for critical minerals, some of which areas are located in South Africa.
• The leaders will discuss how to ensure a fair and just future for all, with a particular focus on critical materials, artificial intelligence, and decent work.

Protests planned during G20 summit

Despite the key issues focused on agenda, several protests are planned to bring forth their main issues faced by the African nation.

Femicide protests

The Women for Change advocacy group has planned the largest demonstration on the issue of femicide. As per the government figures, three women lost their lives at the hands of their intimate partners. On Friday, the group asked women to boycott work and school and wear all black to represent mourning.

“Because, until South Africa stops burying a woman every 2.5 hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress,” Women for Change said in a statement.

White minority protests

A trade union representing members of South Africa’s Afrikaner white minority, has also arranged a protest against alleged discrimination of white South Africans.

Climate change protests

The Citizen, a coalition of climate change, is set to lodge protests, criticizing G20 gathering as “for the rich.”

Protests for unemployment

South African anti-immigration group, Dudula, also protested on Friday against unemployment and poverty prevalent in the country. Africa is reeling from the world’s highest unemployment rate which is around 31 percent.