Positioning the AfCFTA as a Central Pillar of the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg

By Danilo Desiderio

The Group of Twenty (G20) stands as one of the world’s most influential multilateral forums, comprising 19 leading economies – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States – alongside the European Union (EU) and, since September 2023, the African Union (AU).

This high-level assembly serves as a critical platform for addressing urgent global economic challenges, ranging from financial stability and climate change mitigation to the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development. While originally convened biennially, G20 summits have been held annually since 2011, bringing together heads of state and government to shape international policy and foster cooperative solutions.

The 2025 G20 Summit, set to take place on November 22-23 in Johannesburg, South Africa, will mark a historic first: the convening of this premier global forum on African soil. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa’s presidency aims to build upon the developmental priorities advanced by previous Global South presidencies, with a strong emphasis on people-centered growth and equitable progress.

Amid this momentous occasion, there lies a unique opportunity to elevate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a central pillar of the summit’s agenda. As a flagship initiative of the AU, the AfCFTA is designed to drive industrialization, create jobs, and promote sustainable development across the continent – objectives that align closely with the G20’s commitments to inclusive economic growth and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Integrating the AfCFTA into the G20’s strategic dialogue can yield transformative outcomes in three key areas:

Strengthening Global Economic Governance and Representation

As the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries, the AfCFTA offers a powerful platform for African nations to engage more effectively with the G20. Elevating its role within the summit could enhance Africa’s voice in shaping global economic policies, trade frameworks, and development strategies.

However, realizing this potential requires institutional reform. The African Union Commission must be strengthened and granted supranational authority – akin to the European Commission – to negotiate on behalf of African states, articulate unified positions, and represent the continent’s interests with clarity and consistency.

Such a transformation would ensure that Africa’s unique priorities receive due attention in global decision-making arenas.

Catalyzing New Pathways for Global Economic Growth and Resilience

By boosting intra-African trade, fostering industrial diversification, and building integrated regional value chains, the AfCFTA has the potential to become a new engine of global economic expansion. It presents G20 members with untapped markets, investment opportunities, and partnerships for long-term prosperity.

Moreover, by deepening economic integration within Africa, the AfCFTA can help fortify global supply chains against disruptions – an issue of growing concern for G20 leaders amid increasing geopolitical and climatic uncertainties.

Collaboration between the AfCFTA and G20 nations can also extend to tackling shared global challenges, such as food security, climate resilience, and digital transformation. Initiatives like sustainable agriculture development and the creation of efficient regional food markets offer promising avenues for joint action.

Facilitating Equitable and Sustainable Financing and Investment

To unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA, it is essential to integrate its financing and investment needs into the G20’s broader development finance discussions. This includes mobilizing resources for critical infrastructure sectors—transportation networks, energy systems, water and sanitation, ICT, healthcare, education, and climate adaptation.

By promoting tailored and equitable funding mechanisms, the G20 can support Africa’s transition toward resilient, low-carbon economies while ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely shared.

Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership for a More Inclusive Global Order

The inclusion of the AfCFTA as a central focus at the 2025 G20 Summit represents a pivotal opportunity to advance a more inclusive and balanced global economic order. With a reformed and empowered African Union Commission serving as a cohesive interlocutor, Africa can become an indispensable partner in addressing complex global challenges.

By leveraging the AfCFTA’s transformative potential, the G20 can not only bolster Africa’s integration into the global economy but also contribute meaningfully to a future defined by solidarity, equality, and sustainability for all.

Danilo Desiderio serves as the CEO of Desiderio Consultants Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in African customs, trade, and transport policies. He is a customs and trade expert at the World Bank and a senior associate to the Horn Economic and Social Policy Institute (HESPI).