What do the 2025 G20 Decisions Mean for Africa?

Abstract

The 2025 G20 Summit held on 22-23 November 2025 in Johannesburg under South Africa’s presidency marked a turning point in how global financial and development issues are framed, particularly for Africa. For the first time, a G20 declaration is structured explicitly around solidarity, equality, and sustainability—principles that reflect long-standing African priorities. The declaration states that leaders commit to “rebuilding a fairer, more inclusive and more resilient global economy”—language that resonates deeply with African calls for an equitable global financial order. This framing empowers Africa to push for long-overdue reforms in development finance, debt restructuring, and access to climate finance.