Global business leaders eye Africa at B20 Summit

Cas Coovadia

Business leaders from around the world are convening in Johannesburg today for the B20 Summit, signalling a pivotal moment for Africa’s role in global economic policymaking.

Cas Coovadia, B20 Sherpa, told the SABC that this year’s summit places Africa’s agenda front and centre, not just South Africa’s interests. He emphasised that the business community has crafted 30 evidence-based policy recommendations — developed across eight task forces — to promote inclusive growth, blended finance, sustainable infrastructure, and transparency in governance.

According to IOL Online, Coovadia described the summit as “Africa’s global moment,” calling on the G20 and the private sector to partner in implementing proposals related to green industrialisation, digital development, and just energy transitions.

The B20 Summit — taking place from 18 to 20 November 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre — is the first time the forum is being hosted on African soil, under South Africa’s G20 presidency.