G20 Sherpas Meet in South Africa to Drive Global Economic Solutions

From 25-27 June 2025, South Africa will host the Third Meeting of the G20 Sherpas at the Sun City Resort in the North West Province. This pivotal gathering aims to address pressing global economic and financial issues.

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South Africa’s G20 Presidency

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency from 1 December 2024, through November 2025. As the host nation, South Africa is responsible for shaping the G20 agenda in consultation with other members. Its primary goal is to respond to global economic developments, and ensuring continuity with previous presidencies. South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, Mr. Zane Dangor, will chair the meeting.

President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that during its G20 presidency, South Africa will prioritise Africa’s development. This commitment aligns with South Africa’s strategic foreign policy pillars, including national interests, the African Agenda, South-South Cooperation, and Multilateralism.

What Are G20 Sherpas?

In the context of the G20, Sherpas are senior government officials appointed as personal representatives of their country’s head of state or government. Their role is to prepare for and coordinate the complex negotiations. They set the agenda ahead of the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit.

The term “Sherpa” is borrowed from the Sherpa people of Nepal, renowned mountain guides who assist climbers in reaching the summit of Mount Everest. Similarly, G20 Sherpas guide their leaders through the intricate diplomatic processes to ensure successful summit outcomes. They lead the Sherpa Track. This involves extensive consultations and negotiations across multiple working groups covering issues such as trade, climate, health, and development. South Africa’s Sherpa for 2025 is Mr Zane Dangor, the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, supported by two Sous-Sherpas.

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Key Discussion Points

The Sherpa Meeting will focus on several high-level priorities:

• Inclusive Economic Growth: Promoting industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.
• Food Security: Addressing food security challenges on a global scale.
• Artificial Intelligence: Exploring AI and innovation for sustainable development.

These priorities reflect South Africa’s intention to build on the efforts of previous G20 Presidencies. They aim to advance the development agenda, particularly for developing economies in Africa and the Global South.

G20’s Global Impact

The G20 is a crucial international forum comprising 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union. Its members represent 85% of global Gross Domestic Product and over 75% of international trade. They account for approximately two-thirds of the world’s population. The forum works to find solutions to global economic and financial issues, making the Sherpas meeting significant for addressing worldwide challenges.

Logistical Information for Media

Media personnel interested in covering the Third Meeting of the G20 Sherpas must apply for accreditation. The deadline for media accreditation is Tuesday, 10 June 2025, and late applications will not be accepted.

For media accreditation inquiries, contact Kgopotso Rapakuana at RapakuanaK@dirco.gov.za or +27 (73) 058 3876. Alternatively, contact Fhulufhelo Maeba at MaebaF@dirco.gov.za or +27 (60) 967-8945.

Global Opportunity

The Third G20 Sherpas Meeting in South Africa represents a critical opportunity to advance global economic cooperation. It aims to address key challenges facing the international community. South Africa’s leadership in the G20 seeks to promote solidarity, equality, and sustainability. This fosters a more inclusive and resilient global economy.