As South Africa takes on the role of G20 host this year, Cape Town and the Western Cape are gearing up to welcome top business leaders for the Business 20 (B20) Summit, the official G20 dialogue platform for the global business community.
The two-day event, running from Monday to Tuesday, marks the first time the B20 will be held on African soil.
Since its inception in 2010, the B20 has become one of the most influential business forums linked to the G20, providing a platform for corporate leaders to shape global economic policy discussions. Each year, it brings together top executives and business organisations to address pressing economic, trade, and development challenges, ensuring that the private sector has a voice in international decision-making.
IOL reports that the key topics at this year’s summit include trade and investment, infrastructure, education, and climate change, under the theme ‘Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Cooperation.’
The event will feature keynote speeches from World Economic Forum President Børge Brende, International Finance Corporation Vice President Susan M Lund and Econet Group’s Founder and Executive Chairman Strive Masiyiwa.
Panels and discussions will explore topics such as the impact of the G20 and B20 on host nations, mobilising B20 South Africa’s objectives and the intersection of geopolitics, macroeconomics and economic stability.
Notable South African figures attending include Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, along with representatives from major companies such as Toyota SA and Deloitte Africa.
B20 Co-chair Mxolisi Mgojo expressed enthusiasm about leading this year’s forum, emphasising the importance of fostering innovation and strengthening ties between the Global South and North.
‘We see this as an opportunity to drive meaningful outcomes and continue the momentum of recent Global South presidencies,’ he said.
His fellow Co-chair, Nonkululeko Nyembezi, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event as a platform to position Africa as a key player in global economic leadership.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde welcomed the international delegation, calling the B20 a major milestone for the province and the country. ‘We have a chance to showcase our region to the world. Cape Town has already proven itself with successful events like the Mining Indaba. Now, we must ensure the B20 further cements our reputation as a prime destination for business and investment,’ he said.
Winde also emphasised the value of leveraging international events to boost economic growth, create job opportunities, and strengthen ties with global partners.
With over 100 G20-related meetings scheduled throughout 2025, 40 of them in the Western Cape, he emphasised the importance of using these opportunities to position the province as a premier hub for investment and global collaboration.
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