South Africa is at the forefront of the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency for 2025. It uses this influential platform to champion critical global issues such as youth employment and gender equality. As the first African nation to hold the G20 presidency, South Africa is steering the agenda towards inclusive and sustainable development. As the host country, South Africa places a strong focus on addressing the challenges faced by young people and women worldwide.
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South Africa’s Historic G20 Presidency
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December 2024, holding it until November 2025. This marks the first time the summit is hosted on the African continent. The main summit is scheduled for Johannesburg in November 2025. The presidency theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” reflects South Africa’s commitment to fostering a more equitable global order. It prioritizes social inclusion and sustainable development.
Prioritising Youth Employment
Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in South Africa and across the African continent. Here, young people represent a significant proportion of the population. South Africa’s G20 presidency recognises that creating decent jobs for youth is essential to social stability and economic growth.
The presidency aims to promote policies that enhance skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to finance for young people. By placing youth employment at the centre of the G20 agenda, South Africa seeks to mobilise global cooperation. This aims to tackle the structural barriers that hinder young people from entering the labour market.
Advancing Gender Equality
Gender equality is another cornerstone of South Africa’s G20 leadership. The presidency underscores the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and leadership roles. South Africa advocates for comprehensive strategies to close gender gaps in the workforce and to protect women’s rights globally.
Efforts include promoting women’s economic empowerment, combating gender-based violence, and supporting policies that enable work-life balance. South Africa’s approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.
Addressing Global Challenges Through Solidarity
South Africa’s G20 agenda is shaped by the recognition that global challenges such as; unemployment, inequality, and climate change are interconnected. The presidency calls for solidarity among nations to foster collective solutions. These should leave no one behind.
By prioritising equality, South Africa aims to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all. This is regardless of gender, age, or geography. The focus on sustainability emphasises meeting present needs without compromising future generations. This is especially relevant in the context of economic development and environmental stewardship.
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Strategic Alignment with African and Global Agendas
South Africa’s presidency aligns closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It envisions “The Africa We Want” — a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable continent. The G20 platform provides an opportunity to elevate Africa’s development priorities on the global stage. It fosters partnerships that support job creation and gender equality across the continent.
The presidency also supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It aims to accelerate progress on the SDGs with a particular emphasis on social inclusion and economic empowerment.
The Johannesburg Summit and Beyond
The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for 22 to 23 November 2025, will be a pivotal moment for South Africa. It will showcase its leadership and consolidate commitments on youth employment and gender equality. The summit is expected to bring together heads of state, government officials, and civil society representatives to discuss actionable solutions.
South Africa’s presidency will conclude with a handover to the United States in December 2025. It leaves a legacy of prioritising people-centred policies and inclusive growth.
Looking Ahead
South Africa’s leadership of the G20 in 2025 represents a historic opportunity to advance youth job creation and gender equality on a global scale. Through its presidency theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, South Africa is driving a progressive agenda. This seeks to build a fairer, more inclusive world. The outcomes of this presidency will have lasting impacts on international cooperation and development. This is especially true for Africa and the Global South.
