Why Johannesburg? Why South Africa?

• For the first time, the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil — Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 22–23, 2025. Wikipedia+2Demokratiezentrum für Transparenz+2

• South Africa officially assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2024, and will steer the agenda until late November 2025, before handing over to the United States. Wikipedia+3G20+3Global Policy Forum Europe+3

• The summit’s theme — “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” — reflects Pretoria’s push to center African and Global South perspectives within global economic, financial, and development debates. y7italy.com+4G20+4Wikipedia+4

🔧 How the planning is shaping up

1. Budgeting & logistics
   South Africa has allocated roughly R691 million (around USD 38–40 million) for summit preparations, including infrastructure upgrades, venue security, and local logistics. EWN+2Wikipedia+2
   Local governments in Gauteng province (where Johannesburg sits) have ramped up efforts to improve transportation, lodging, and city beautification to handle the global influx of leaders, media, and delegates. EWN+2Global Policy Forum Europe+2

2. Sherpa and Finance tracks

   • Sherpa Track: These are the personal representatives of world leaders who negotiate summit communiques, draft agenda items, and coordinate side-events. Wikipedia+2Y20 South Africa+2

   • Finance Track: Finance ministers and central bankers meet to hash out macroeconomic policies, debt reform, and climate financing ahead of the summit. Wikipedia+2EWN+2
     South Africa has already held several preparatory meetings, and also launched G20 engagement group events such as Women 20 (W20) and Youth 20 (Y20) to gather inputs from civil society, businesses, and young delegates. EWN+2Y20 South Africa+2

3. Africa-first agenda
   President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that Africa’s development will top the agenda. Topics expected to feature prominently include:

   • Debt relief and financial architecture reform for low- and middle-income countries

   • Industrialization, jobs, and youth employment in Africa

   • Food security and sustainable agriculture

   • Digital innovation, AI, and green energy transitions G20+3Wikipedia+3Demokratiezentrum für Transparenz+3

4. Geopolitical headwinds
   Johannesburg’s G20 presidency hasn’t been smooth sailing. Observers note tension between South Africa’s push for multilateral cooperation and rising global fragmentation. Global Policy Forum Europe+2EU Institute for Security Studies+2
   The U.S. and South Africa have already tangled over land reform laws, and there’s speculation about how U.S. participation will unfold. EU Institute for Security Studies+2Wikipedia+2

⚡ What GenZ Should Watch For

🧠 Bottom Line

The 2025 Johannesburg G20 Summit is more than just another gathering of world leaders — it’s Africa's moment to shape the conversation on global development, financial reform, and the future of multilateral cooperation. As South Africa leads the charge under the “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” banner, all eyes are on whether Johannesburg’s summit will deliver real tools to address debt, climate, and inequality — or simply set the stage for more talk.