JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – On Wednesday, 19 November 2025 (EAT), final preparations are underway as South Africa steps into its role as the President of the Group of Twenty (G20), culminating in the Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg from 22-23 November 2025. This marks a historic first, with the premier forum for international economic cooperation being hosted on African soil, a moment President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged will put "Africa's development at the top of the agenda".

The summit convenes leaders from the world's largest economies, which collectively represent about 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population. South Africa's presidency is the first since the African Union (AU) was admitted as a permanent member in September 2023, a move celebrated by Kenyan President William Ruto as one that will "increase the voice of Africa visibility, and influence on the global stage".

An Agenda for the Global South

Under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," Pretoria has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on challenges disproportionately affecting developing nations. Key priorities include urgent action on debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and reforming the global financial architecture. This resonates deeply with Kenya, which has been a vocal proponent for reforming international financial institutions. President Ruto has repeatedly called for a new global financial architecture that addresses what he terms the "unfairness of the international financial system".

As of June 2025, Kenya's public debt stood at KSh 11.81 trillion, approximately 67.8% of its GDP, a figure above the 50% threshold recommended for developing countries by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Decisions made at the G20 on debt restructuring and relief could therefore have a direct and substantial impact on Kenya's fiscal space and its ability to fund critical development projects.

Global Dynamics and US Participation

Contrary to some speculative reports suggesting a potential US boycott, the United States is expected to be a key participant. The U.S. Department of State has affirmed its strong support for the G20 as a vital platform for economic policy coordination. The current administration of President Donald Trump, who began his second non-consecutive term on 20 January 2025, is anticipated to engage on the summit's agenda, although its approach to multilateral agreements remains a focal point of international observation. The United States is scheduled to take over the G20 presidency from South Africa on 1 December 2025.

South Africa's leadership has emphasized collaboration, working closely with the AU to ensure the continent's priorities are embedded in the global economic governance framework. This includes pushing for increased investment in African infrastructure and industrialization, harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth, and addressing food security.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

For Kenya and the wider East African region, the summit's outcomes could be pivotal. A unified African voice, amplified through the AU's new status, presents an unprecedented opportunity to negotiate for more equitable trade policies and greater access to climate finance. Kenya, a leader in renewable energy with significant geothermal and wind power capacity, stands to benefit from G20 commitments to mobilize financing for a just energy transition.

Furthermore, the G20's focus on reforming the global financial architecture aligns with the position championed by Nairobi. A successful push for changes—such as the inclusion of contingency clauses in loans that would pause repayments during climate-related shocks—could provide significant relief to debt-burdened nations across the continent. As leaders gather in Johannesburg, the continent will be watching to see if this historic summit can translate solidarity into tangible economic transformation for Africa.