B20 South Africa highlighted the critical need for global cooperation as geopolitical fragmentation threatens to derail progress on pressing economic challenges. At a high-level briefing, business leaders and select task force chairs presented emerging policy recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive growth, combating corruption
and closing Africa’s infrastructure funding gap ahead of their official handover
to the G20 Presidency in September.
An African B20 has never been more important Cas Coovadia, B20 South Africa Sherpa said: “Africa’s voice in the G20 is not just necessary but we must lead, not just occupy a seat at the table. This demands full collaboration with task force leaders across G20 nations, alongside local and international business advisory councils, to drive meaningful progress.”
The policy recommendations will be presented to the G20 Presidency in early
September, ahead of the B20 South Africa Summit in Johannesburg from 18–20
November 2025.
Corruption is a $120 Billion drain on Africa’s prosperity Ruwayda Redfearn, Chair of the Integrity and Compliance Task Force, highlighted the devastating impact of corruption on Africa’s growth. “The Africa Union estimates that up to $120 billion is lost annually to corruption, funds that are often borrowed for development, only to be stolen. This theft robs our people of schools, hospitals and resilient infrastructure while eroding trust in
institutions.”
Redfearn outlined the Task Force’s focus: leveraging technology to strengthen whistleblower protections, embedding anti-corruption measures in climate finance, and fostering collective action. “Integrity is not a compliance checkbox.
It is the foundation of economic resilience as without it, sustainable growth is
impossible.”
Africa’s $85 Billion Infrastructure Gap Sim Tshabalala, Chair of the Finance and Infrastructure Task Force, stressed the need for urgent investment. “Africa requires $170 billion annually for infrastructure but mobilises only half. This $85 billion shortfall stifles growth while the world faces a $500 billion global gap. We cannot afford inaction.”
Tshabalala proposed solutions, including streamlining regulations, reassessing
risk weights on infrastructure financing, and boosting project preparation.
“Strategic coordination between governments and investors is non-negotiable.
Africa’s potential is vast but unlocking it demands bold reforms and global
solidarity.”
A divided global trade landscape calls for coordinated solutions Busi Mabuza, Chair of the Trade and Investment Task Force, warned against rising protectionism. “Global trade faces a crisis where tariffs and a weakened WTO threaten $366 billion in trade losses. For Africa, which accounts for just 3% of global trade, this is catastrophic.”
Mabuza called for a “New Deal for Africa”, accelerating the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), harmonising investment rules and ensuring climate
policies do not exclude developing nations. “We must redesign trade to be
inclusive, sustainable and resilient. The alternative is deeper inequality.”
The bottom line needs cooperation over fragmentation Mxolisi Mgojo, B20 South Africa Co-Chair, emphasised that South Africa’s B20 presidency is not just a national milestone but Africa’s moment to shape global economic policy. “In a fragmented world, Africa can be a bridge, balancing global tensions while driving inclusive growth,” he said.
Mgojo highlighted that Africa’s voice is critical in addressing shared challenges
such as energy, food security and digital access. “We must move from potential
to progress. This demands cooperation across business, government and civil
society. In today’s world, collaboration is not idealistic, it is essential.”
