South Africa plans to leverage its Group of 20 (G20) presidency to drive investment in Africa’s infrastructure and productive sectors, aiming to boost the continent’s integration into global trade.
Andrew Whitfield, the country’s deputy minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, made these remarks during the first virtual meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group on Tuesday March 18. Whitfield highlighted that Africa, with its abundant natural resources and young population, presents significant growth potential and is poised to be a key player in global economic expansion.
The G20 working group’s priorities under South Africa’s presidency will centre on four main areas: promoting trade and inclusive growth, addressing global trade issues with a responsive agenda, advancing green industrialization, and advocating for the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Whitfield expressed South Africa’s commitment to fostering global cooperation through its G20 leadership, aiming to build partnerships that will spur growth and development worldwide, particularly focusing on Africa’s emerging market opportunities.
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, and will host the G20 leaders’ summit in November 2025. During the meeting, attended by representatives from G20 member states, invited countries, and international organizations such as the WTO and UNCTAD, Whitfield stressed the importance of overcoming global challenges through collective action. He affirmed South Africa’s resolve to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future, recognising the G20’s pivotal role in addressing the world’s most pressing issues.