On 29-30 April 2025, the Institute for Global Dialogue (IGD), the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA), the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation, and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), hosted the T20 Africa High-Level Policy Dialogue in Pretoria, South Africa. Centred around the theme of ‘Strengthening African Agency in the G20 within the Emerging Global Order’, the two-day meeting brought together representatives from various African countries representing: civil society, the private sector, academia, intergovernmental organisations and state governments.
The conversations over the two days focused on various approaches and strategies on how to use the G20 to amplify African perspectives and interests in the global arena, especially since decision-making within these spaces has historically marginalised African voices. In particular, it focused on how to strengthen the role of the African Union within the G20 and how Africa could enhance its influence in an increasingly complex and uncertain world order. The discussions were organised into nine high-level panel discussions, which focused on specific themes. These were: Africa’s role in the global order, international trade and investment, governance and economic development, social cohesion and inclusive development, digital transformation, debt, peace and security and climate change responses and sustainability. These thematic areas were presented as part of the reflections related to challenges to Africa’s economic and social development. A common feature which linked these discussions focused on the impact of poor governance across Africa. It was noted that a broken social contract and a lack of separation of power have stagnated development outcomes and the ability to implement transformative solutions which constructively use Africa’s minerals and assets.
In his keynote address, Deputy President of South Africa, H.E. Paul Mashatile, encouraged the audience, saying, “We are the co-authors of a new global order”. It ultimately echoed the spirit of the meeting, which emphasised the need for Africa to use this opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the global agenda, and also to address some of the protracted developmental issues within the continent.
