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South Africa’s Global Agenda: Lamola Prepares for G20 Summit in Joburg
Johannesburg is gearing up to host one of the most important global gatherings of the decade. In November, the city will welcome world leaders for the G20 Summit, and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola is expected to brief the nation on South Africa’s agenda.
The media update, taking place at Dirco’s headquarters in Pretoria, will highlight the country’s recent work across regional and international platforms while outlining preparations for its role as G20 host.
A Busy Year on the World Stage
South Africa has been highly active in global diplomacy in 2025. Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa led the national delegation to Japan for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama. Under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions With Africa,” the summit focused on strengthening investment ties, sharing technology, and building regional partnerships.
Closer to home, South Africa played a central role in the 45th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held in Madagascar. The gathering, themed “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” ended with South Africa being elected as the incoming SADC Chair for 2026. The country will also host the 46th summit in August next year, nearly a decade after last holding the position.
Johannesburg as the Global Meeting Point
Hosting the G20 gives South Africa a chance to shape global discussions. As host nation, it will preside over the summit, set the agenda, and coordinate dialogue between partner economies.
For Johannesburg, it is not just about world leaders filling Sandton’s conference halls. It is an opportunity for the city to showcase its place on the international stage and for South Africa to ensure African development priorities feature in conversations about the global economy, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Why Lamola’s Briefing Matters
Lamola’s address is about more than logistics. It is a signal to South Africans and the world that the country is ready to lead difficult conversations at the highest level. From industrialisation to green energy and food security, South Africa now has the platform to bring African perspectives to the table of the world’s most powerful economies.
As November approaches, Johannesburg is set to become the centre of global diplomacy. And with Lamola outlining the agenda, South Africa is preparing to use this moment not just to host, but to lead.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Vulankungu
