G20 Leaders’ Summit: 42 nations and organizations confirmed attendance in South Africa
Minister Ronald Lamola, supported by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, briefed the media on South Africa's state of readiness to host the historic G20 Leaders' Summit later this week.
Image: G20 South Africa/ X
South Africa says it is ready to welcome world leaders to Johannesburg next weekend, with 42 countries and organisations confirmed to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit — the first-ever hosted on African soil.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola delivered the update during a media briefing at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec on Monday, where he was joined by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. The presence of provincial and economic leadership underscored the scale of preparations for what will be one of the largest international events the country has hosted in years.
The summit, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will mark the culmination of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola delivered the update during a media briefing at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec on Monday
Image: G20 South Africa/ X
Most leaders attending, with only four represented below the head-of-state level
Lamola said nearly all G20 member states will be represented at the head-of-state or head-of-government level, with only a small number opting to send ministers or sherpas instead.
“At this stage, we have confirmation that only four countries will not be represented at the head-of-state level,” he said.
“They will still participate, but through foreign ministers, sherpas or other ministerial representatives. These countries are Russia, Mexico and Argentina. Mexico and Argentina will be represented by their foreign ministers.”
China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang. Lamola warned against interpreting this as a diplomatic slight, saying it is common for countries to send senior officials in place of presidents.
“It happens in many multilateral platforms that heads of state delegate their participation. Out of 20 heads of state, if only four are not present, it shows they take the G20 very seriously,” he said.
Attendances confirmed for participation
Lamola said preparations were on track, with representation extending well beyond the G20 membership. A total of 42 countries are confirmed, including 20 G20 members - excluding the United States - 16 guest countries, and six countries representing regional economic blocs in Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia. Heads of major international organisations are also expected.
"Preparations for the summit are on track with numerous heads of state and government from G20 member countries and invited guest countries confirmed for participation. In total, 42 countries are confirmed for participation at various levels. This includes twenty G20 members (excluding the United States), 16 guest countries and six countries representing regional economic communities in Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia," said Lamola.
Premier Lesufi also added that the province had intensified safety, mobility and service-delivery plans for the duration of the summit.
Minister Godongwana emphasised that hosting the world’s biggest economies comes at a time when South Africa is beginning to show signs of economic recovery.
A historic summit at a symbolic venue
Lamola described the Nasrec precinct as a fitting setting for the historic gathering. The venue not only connected racially segregated parts of Johannesburg during apartheid but also hosted major democratic milestones, including the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“It is against this powerful backdrop that we gather today as South Africa proudly leads the G20 Presidency,” Lamola said.
He noted that South Africa has already hosted 130 of the 133 official G20 meetings this year, with the Leaders’ Summit serving as the conclusion of what he described as a transformative period of diplomacy, reform and global engagement.
Summit agenda to focus on growth, resilience and fairness
The Johannesburg summit will revolve around three core sessions: inclusive and sustainable economic growth; building global resilience in areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate change and food systems; and shaping a fair and just future, with a focus on critical minerals, decent work and artificial intelligence.
Before adopting the Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration, leaders are expected to consider several key reports commissioned under South Africa’s presidency, including the findings of the Africa Expert Panel, the Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Wealth Inequality and the G20@20 Review.
A series of high-level side events — including the IBSA Leaders’ Meeting, an SA-EU Summit, Compact with Africa discussions, and a renewable energy pledging event — will take place alongside the summit.
South Africa positions itself as a confident host
Lamola said the summit takes place at a moment when South Africa is “turning the corner”, citing stabilised energy supply, improvements in logistics, progress on economic reforms and a recent sovereign credit rating upgrade.
He said the event had already catalysed service-delivery improvements in Johannesburg and expressed confidence that the summit would leave a lasting legacy for Africa and the broader Global South.
“As we conclude our historic G20 Presidency, we do so with pride and purpose. The outcomes of this summit will carry forward Africa’s voice and help shape a fairer global future,” he said.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News