As the G20 summit approaches in November, renewed focus is being placed on aligning the Global South — not merely around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which often highlight its weaknesses, but on transforming those weaknesses into strengths. With South Africa holding the 2025 G20 presidency, the continent’s representation takes on added significance.
The SDGs remain a commendable initiative, recognising that despite global wealth since World War II, large portions of the Global South have been excluded from its benefits. More than 700 million people still live on less than $2.15 a day. Although progress has been made in alleviating extreme poverty, the overall pace has slowed, calling for a more refined approach to sustainable growth.
South Africa and Africa’s Role
South Africa, with a population of about 64 million, faces serious youth unemployment challenges. Around 40 million South Africans are of working age, with nearly half between ages 15 and 35 — and roughly 50% of that group unemployed.
Across the continent, Africa’s population of 1.4 billion makes it the world’s youngest. About 73% of Africans are under 35, and half of all working-age citizens fall within the 15–34 age range. Yet only around 53% of African youth are employed, while the remaining 47% are unemployed or not active in the labour market. Youth unemployment in several middle-income African nations ranges from 30–50%, highlighting the need for inclusive growth and innovation to harness the continent’s demographic potential.
G20 Task Forces
Task Force 1: Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality
This group focuses on sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth by promoting youth employment, closing the gender gap, reducing inequality, and supporting climate-responsible industrialisation. It aims to embed job creation and equality within the G20’s economic agenda.
Task Force 2: Food Security
This task force seeks to build a resilient and fair global food system by stabilising food prices, improving regulation, and developing a G20 Action Plan for Food Security. It brings together policymakers to address trade barriers, climate impacts, and access to agricultural systems in vulnerable regions.
Task Force 3: Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development
Task Force 3 guides the G20 in utilising AI and data governance frameworks to advance sustainable development, digital transformation and innovation. It promotes digital infrastructure, inclusive connectivity, and equitable use of AI to support small and medium enterprises and bridge global digital divides.
Together, these task forces set a clear trajectory for the Global South’s growth. Task Force 3, in particular, presents an opportunity for developing nations to harness technology and counter economic exclusion through innovation and digitalisation.
Turning Youth Potential into Power
The future of the Global South is closely tied to the potential of its youth. The G20 task forces, through their focus on inclusive growth, food security, and technological innovation, offer a blueprint for moving beyond dependency and toward empowerment.
The challenge lies in translating dialogue into action. Robust public-private partnerships are needed to drive investment, foster innovation, and create ecosystems where young entrepreneurs and workers can thrive.
By strategically investing in its youth, the Global South — led by South Africa’s voice in the G20 — can transform its narrative from vulnerability to opportunity, turning its greatest potential into its greatest strength.
