B20 South Africa 2025 Moves from Cape Town to Joburg to Align with G20 Summit

In a major shift that brings global business and political attention to Johannesburg, the highly anticipated B20 South Africa 2025 summit has officially moved from Cape Town to Joburg. The decision aligns the business forum with the G20 South Africa 2025 summit, both set to take place in November.

Initially planned for Cape Town, the relocation means the Western Cape will miss out on the influx of around 2,000 high-profile delegates—half of them international—expected for the B20. The event was seen as a major opportunity for Cape Town’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Why the Move to Johannesburg?

According to Anthony Costa, head of the B20 South Africa secretariat, the main reason for the shift was logistics and proximity.

“The decision to move the summit to Johannesburg was driven by the need to have it physically closer to the G20 summit,” said Costa.

The G20 summit will be held on 22–23 November, while the B20 will now take place just days earlier, from 18–20 November.

The G20—an international forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union—addresses key global economic and financial challenges. Alongside it, the B20 serves as the voice of the private sector, providing policy recommendations and insights to the G20 leaders.

“We don’t make or implement policy,” Costa noted. “We develop and advocate for policy. Adoption and implementation are up to the G20.”

A Big Win for Johannesburg

Although Cape Town loses a lucrative opportunity, Johannesburg gains the spotlight. The city will now welcome over 20 heads of state and their delegations, alongside top executives from global corporations.

With US President Donald Trump expected to attend—pending confirmation—the stakes are high for Joburg’s infrastructure, hospitality, and security planning.

“It’s going to be a very busy time in Johannesburg,” Costa said. “We are working with hospitality groups and associations to ensure there’s enough capacity to accommodate the delegates.”

A Global Stage for South Africa

This G20-B20 combo marks the largest international event hosted in South Africa since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It places the country at the heart of key global economic discussions and business advocacy efforts.

Johannesburg’s role as the host city offers a platform to showcase not only South Africa’s economic ambitions but also its ability to convene world leaders and industries in pursuit of inclusive, sustainable growth.

As preparations intensify, the success of this move will rest on how well the city rises to the occasion—with world-class logistics, security, and hospitality.

{Source Cape Business News}

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