Global Attention Turns to Johannesburg as 42 Nations Attend G20 Leaders Summit

A historic moment for Africa

Johannesburg is about to become the centre of global attention. South Africa has confirmed that 42 nations and organisations will take part in the G20 Leaders Summit next weekend, a milestone moment since the event has never been hosted on African soil before. The update came from Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, who addressed the media at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec. He was joined by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, a trio that signalled how seriously the country is treating this moment on the world stage.

For South Africans, the significance is enormous. It is not simply another global meeting. It arrives at a meaningful moment as South Africa leads the G20 Presidency.

Who is coming to Johannesburg

Lamola confirmed that nearly all G20 members will be represented by presidents or prime ministers. Only four countries will send senior officials instead. These are Russia, Mexico, and Argentina. Mexico and Argentina will participate through their foreign ministers, and China will send Premier Li Qiang. Lamola was clear that the choice of representation should not be seen as a diplomatic snub. It is common for states to appoint senior officials to attend multilateral gatherings.

The full guest list extends beyond the G20. South Africa has confirmed 20 G20 members, excluding the United States, along with 16 invited guest countries and six nations that represent regional economic blocs in Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia. Leaders of major international organisations are also expected to attend.

Behind the scenes of a massive operation

Preparations around Johannesburg have been intense. Premier Lesufi said the province had intensified safety, mobility, and service delivery plans for the summit period. The Expo Centre is no stranger to historic moments. It joins two halves of a once segregated city and has hosted global events such as the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Lamola called it a symbolic location for the summit, describing it as a place that reflects South Africa’s democratic transformation.

This year alone, the country has already hosted 130 of the 133 official G20 meetings. The upcoming summit is the final chapter of a busy and strategically important presidency.

What leaders will discuss

Three central themes will drive the Johannesburg agenda. These are inclusive and sustainable economic growth, global resilience in areas such as disaster risk, climate pressure and food systems, and a fairer global future that considers the role of critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence.

Leaders will also reflect on a set of key reports commissioned during South Africa’s presidency. These include recommendations from the Africa Expert Panel, the Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality, and the G20 at 20 Review.

Alongside the main sessions, a number of high-level side events will take place. These include the IBSA Leaders Meeting, a summit between South Africa and the European Union, Compact with Africa engagements, and a pledging event that focuses on renewable energy.

South Africa’s moment to prove itself

Minister Godongwana said the timing of the summit is meaningful. South Africa has begun showing signs of economic recovery, with stabilisation in energy supply, early improvements in logistics, and progress on structural reforms. A recent sovereign credit rating upgrade added to the sense that the country is gaining ground.

Lamola said the province had intensified service delivery efforts ahead of the summit and that South Africa intends to use this moment to elevate Africa’s voice in global decision-making. He believes the outcomes will help shape a more just and balanced future for the Global South.

As the country prepares to welcome world leaders, there is a sense of pride mixed with the pressure of hosting an event of this scale. Johannesburg will not only serve as a meeting ground for the world’s biggest economies. Lamola said the outcomes of the summit would help carry Africa’s voice into global decision-making.