The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition hosted South Africa’s second G20 Trade and Investment Working Group meeting from 6 to 8 May, in Somerset West, Western Cape. The event brought together senior officials from G20 member countries, alongside representatives from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).
The meeting is part of a series of gatherings leading up to the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting set for October 2025, under South Africa's G20 Presidency. This year’s presidency operates under the theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," reflecting South Africa's commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development in global trade policies.
Key Themes Discussed:
Trade and Inclusive Growth:
Discussions centered on fostering high-level principles for inclusive trade, along with efforts to establish a G20 Africa Cooperation Agenda aimed at deepening economic partnerships with the continent.Responsive Trade and Investment Agenda:
Addressed pressing global challenges such as climate change, digital inclusion, pandemic preparedness, food security, and supply chain resilience. The agenda also included proposed reforms to the investment treaty regime to bolster global economic stability.G20 Framework on Green Industrialisation and Investments:
Explored strategies to boost value addition of critical minerals at the source, promote resilient supply chains, and share best practices for advancing green industrialization among member states.World Trade Organization (WTO) Reform:
Focused on supporting WTO reform and enhancing the development dimension of global trade policies to reflect emerging market priorities.
South Africa's Deputy Director-General of Trade, Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, noted the success of the first meeting held in March, describing it as a platform for constructive engagement on global trade issues. She highlighted the second meeting as an opportunity to deepen dialogue and prepare recommendations for the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for 10 October 2025.
The G20, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, remains a vital platform for global economic governance and cooperation. The TIWG plays a critical role in addressing environmental, social, and economic risks, strengthening supply chain resilience, and supporting sustainable growth in global markets.
South Africa’s leadership in the G20 Presidency marks a pivotal moment for championing trade inclusivity, green industrialisation, and global economic resilience.
