B20 South Africa Launched in Cape Town: A Platform for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

11 MARCH 2025

The Business 20 (B20) South Africa initiative was officially launched in Cape Town in February 2025, marking the start of a critical year in global economic and policy discussions. As the official business engagement group of the G20, the B20 plays a key role in shaping business policies that promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

This launch comes as South Africa assumes the presidency of the G20 for 2025. The G20 Johannesburg Summit, scheduled for 22-23 November 2025, will be the 20^th meeting of the Group of Twenty and the first-ever G20 summit held on the African continent. As this year’s host nation, South Africa has a unique opportunity to reflect the priorities of Africa, with a focus on actionable outcomes that drive measurable progress.

“The theme of South Africa’s G20 Presidency—Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability—aligns with the principles of the forestry, pulp, and paper sector which itself is a key player in the transition towards a sustainable, circular bioeconomy,” says Jane Molony, executive director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), who attended the B20 launch.

“This industry has long championed the renewability and sustainability of harvested wood products and pioneered circular economy approaches where waste is repurposed into new, higher-valuer products.

The role of business in in shaping global business policy

At the B20 launch event, several high-profile speakers and panellists reflected on the role of the G20 and B20 in shaping economic and environmental policy. A key panel discussion featuring Cas Coovadia (B20 South Africa Sherpa), Sarp Kalkan (B20 Türkiye Sherpa), and Constanza Negri (B20 Brazil Sherpa) highlighted the impact of hosting the G20/B20 on national economies and industries and reinforced the need for policy continuity and consensus-building, particularly in areas such as clean energy, climate finance, and equitable trade”.

Keynote addresses by Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, and Susan M. Lund, Vice President of Economics and Private Sector Development at the International Finance Corporation, underscored the importance of mobilising financial resources, leveraging technology, and enhancing global partnerships to drive sustainable development.

Molony adds that it is no coincidence that South Africa is chairing the G20 and B20 at this moment in history, and says that a number of speakers posed an important question: “Can South Africa be the consensus builder in an increasingly polarised world?” The forestry and forest products sector, with its strong commitment to sustainable forest management and circular bioeconomy principles, has a critical role to play in shaping the global agenda for cleaner technologies, low-carbon alternatives, renewability of resources and other concerns around  biodiversity.

Of importance to the South Africa’s context is the Just Energy Transition from predominantly coal-based energy sector to opportunities for renewables without negatively impacting people and communities’ whose livelihoods depend on the mining sector. With an active role in shaping policy discussions, the industry has an opportunity to showcase its leadership in creating a sustainable future.

Holding global leaders accountable for sustainable progress

A crucial point raised by Mxolisi Mgojo, Co-Chair of B20 South Africa, was the need to move beyond rhetoric and towards measurable progress. He urged participants to use the B20 platform to hold global leaders accountable for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable progress.

“We need to drive measurable change and hold each other accountable for the future and for what legacy we leave,” he stated. His call to action is relevant for industries like forestry, pulp, and paper, where investment in sustainable production, recycling, and reforestation can directly contribute to climate goals and economic resilience.

The work of B20 South Africa is just beginning. Eight B20 Task Forces will focus on specific economic focal areas aligned with G20 priorities, engaging with businesses and stakeholders to develop implementable policy recommendations. These task forces will build on the progress made by B20 Brazil and ensure that South Africa’s presidency leaves a lasting impact.