South Africa stands on the brink of significant global recognition as it prepares to host the G20 Summit, marking the first time the prestigious forum will take place on African soil. This milestone, proudly highlighted by South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille during the recent Meetings Africa 2025 event, reinforces the continent’s growing prominence within the global economic and tourism sectors.
At the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, de Lille emphasized Africa’s readiness to host major international events, which includes the upcoming G20 Summit. "Today, we celebrate the readiness of Africa to host global events of this magnitude," she proclaimed, noting the important economic impact of colleagues working collaboratively within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
The Meetings Africa exposition showcased over 410 exhibitors from 27 African countries, driving investments and job creation. De Lille cited notable statistics, including the contribution of approximately R420 million to South Africa’s economy from last year’s edition of the event, underlining the economic potential and collaborative spirit prevalent within the continent.
On the heels of this notable event, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered remarks addressing the G20 finance summit, focusing squarely on the theme of multilateralism. "The erosion of multilateralism presents a threat to global growth and stability," Ramaphosa stated. He urged participants to recognize the importance of maintaining a rules-based order, especially as geopolitical tensions rise globally.
Ramaphosa stressed the urgent need for developing countries to combat climate change, which he claimed has disproportionately affected nations least equipped to handle the costs associated with recovery from climate-induced disasters. He called for “innovative financing and insurance mechanisms” to support those facing immediate climate-related challenges, acknowledging the heavy toll such events have on economies already under strain.
The summit saw the unexpected absence of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and the prior absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with South Africa's leadership approach, claiming it promotes anti-American sentiments. Rubio censured the country’s policies, including its focus on equity measures stemming from its apartheid history. This led to questions about the United States’ engagement, raising eyebrows over its geopolitical stance over the past week.
During their absence, finance ministers from India, Canada, and Japan also backed out of their planned trips to the summit. The snubs suggest possible discontent brewing among leaders concerning South Africa’s current human rights critiques, amplified by U.S.-based insinuations of anti-Americanism without clear supporting evidence.
De Lille and Ramaphosa’s speeches positioned South Africa not only as the current chair of the G20 but also as beacon of hope for equitable economic relations and the revitalization of multilateral discussions. Their statements echo unwavering optimism for Africa's contribution on the world stage, seeking to forge stronger international partnerships.
With the global climate crisis punctuating the 21st-century narrative, the contributions and leadership of countries like South Africa will be under scrutiny during the forthcoming G20 Summit. This gathering has the potential to shape policies and collaborative efforts aimed at restoring balance amid global challenges.
By championing the narratives of equality, sustainability, and solidarity, South Africa aims to rewrite perceptions not just of itself, but of the continent as whole, inviting the world to converge on diverse platforms and cross-border cooperation.
The G20 Summit serves as both stage and crucible, where characters and ideologies can be developed, challenged, and reshaped. South Africa’s determination to lead this narrative speaks volumes of its aspirations for the future—one where Africa is firmly at the helm of multilateral discussions, poised to drive global transformation.