South Africa is set to host its first G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) meeting from March 18 to 20, 2025, as part of its presidency of the global economic bloc. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) will facilitate the virtual gathering, bringing together senior officials from G20 member states, the European Union, and the African Union.
The country took over the G20 presidency in December 2024 under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.’ The forum serves as a platform for addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges while fostering global resilience.
As host, South Africa will drive discussions on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality. Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, Deputy Director-General of Trade at dtic, confirmed that four TIWG meetings would take place throughout the year, leading up to the G20 Trade Ministers’ meeting in October 2025.
The first session will include representatives from international bodies such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and African regional communities.
Key discussions will focus on trade and inclusive growth, aiming to develop principles that mitigate trade-related inequalities affecting vulnerable regions. Another agenda item will address trade and investment strategies to tackle global economic challenges.
The framework for green industrialisation and investments will also take center stage, with an emphasis on enhancing value addition for critical minerals at their source and fostering low-carbon manufacturing value chains. Additionally, deliberations will be held on the reform and development dimension of the WTO.
