“On African Soil, Yet Africa Off the Agenda: The 2025 G20 Summit."
By Youngerson Matete For the first time in its history, the G20 Summit convened in Africa, bringing together the world’s major economies in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 21–22 November 2025, albeit in the conspicuous absence of the United States. When the G20 convened in Johannesburg for the first time, the moment carried significant symbolic importance. Africa, long spoken for yet rarely listened to, finally hosted the world’s most powerful economic forum. The African Union, now a full G20 member, stood as evidence of the continent’s rising geopolitical relevance. Yet symbolism is not power, and presence is not influence. Once the applause faded and the Leaders’ Declaration was released, it became clear that the Johannesburg Summit, held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, was a global event located in Africa rather than an African agenda elevated to the global stage. The conflict between symbolism and substance was visible from the outset. The United Sta...