South Africa is poised to make history as it prepares to host the G20 Summit for the first time on African soil. Taking place in Johannesburg under the presidency running from December 2024 to November 2025, this landmark event signifies a pivotal moment not only for the country, but for the African continent at large. Under the guiding theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” South Africa is positioning itself as a bridge between developed and developing economies amid rising geopolitical tensions, climate urgency, and widening inequality.

The G20 Summit marks a strategic opportunity for South Africa to assert itself as a global economic player and regional leader. With world leaders, investors, and multilateral institutions converging in Johannesburg, the summit is expected to generate a significant boost in foreign direct investment (FDI), tourism revenue, and MICE-sector growth. More importantly, it offers a high-level platform to reshape the global perception of Africa’s role in trade, climate response, and innovation.

“South Africa’s G20 presidency comes at a crucial time for the world and the continent,” says Cherrylee Samson, Vice President of Hibarri, the online trading giant hosting the upcoming International Commodity Summit.

“This summit will not only spotlight Africa’s immense economic potential but also elevate solutions around sustainable development, resource equity, and inclusive industrialisation.”

ICS2025: Catalysing Africa’s Commodity Future

Running parallel to the G20 Summit, South Africa will host the International Commodity Summit 2025 (ICS2025) from 14th to the 17th of  July 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The ICS2025 will be the continent’s first major platform dedicated to advancing transparent, sustainable, and future-facing commodity markets across Africa, with a strong focus on mining, agriculture, and energy transition.

In collaboration with Brand South Africa, ICS2025 is part of a broader national repositioning strategy to rebrand South Africa as a globally competitive trade and investment destination. Drawing inspiration from successful global branding models such as the UAE, this partnership aims to attract capital inflows, forge cross-border partnerships, and elevate South Africa’s role in shaping global supply chains.

“The proximity of ICS2025 and the G20 Summit creates a unique investment window for global stakeholders,” adds Samson.

“We anticipate a powerful convergence of policymakers, financiers, and business leaders with an aligned interest in Africa’s commodity and energy future.”

Government Commitment to Energy Security and Green Transition

A key highlight of ICS2025 will be a special address by Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, who is expected to outline South Africa’s progress and investment pipeline in the renewable energy sector. Graham-Maré, a prominent voice in the country’s energy transition, recently oversaw the registration of 2GW of new renewable projects in 2024, with 3.3GW cumulatively added to the grid.

Her participation underscores the summit’s strategic emphasis on unlocking Africa’s renewable potential, enhancing energy security, and catalysing critical mineral supply chains for green technologies. These themes will be particularly relevant to investors seeking access to the continent’s untapped energy assets and streamlined regulatory environments.

South Africa’s Renewable Energy Master Plan is also set to be spotlighted, positioning the nation as a leading player in green hydrogen, battery manufacturing, and carbon-neutral growth; all while maintaining a focus on job creation and equitable access.

A Convergence of Policy, Investment, and Market Influence

Scheduled within the same week and geographic proximity, ICS2025 and the G20 Summit offer unmatched opportunities for cross-pollination between global and African decision-makers.

The anticipated audience overlap between the two summits will enhance deal-making prospects, elevate Africa’s voice in global economic forums, and foster high-level dialogue around trade resilience and energy security. The ICS2025 will cover key topics such as:

• Climate and energy innovation
• Africa’s evolving role in critical mineral supply chains
• Commodity Technology
• Women and in mining  empowerment  

“We advocate for energy and trade systems that will empower Africa, and women alike -  who are rarely recognised in this industry. ICS2025 is where Africa’s future will be shaped through actionable dialogue and strategic investment," said Samson.

Driving Inclusive Growth and Strategic Alliances in Africa

Together, the 2025 G20 Summit and International Commodity Summit 2025 represent a rare inflection point for South Africa; enabling the country to lead not just as host, but as a standard-bearer for Africa’s integration into global markets.

By aligning global economic policy discussions with Africa’s developmental priorities, both summits will lay the foundation for a more inclusive, sustainable, and interconnected global economy, with South Africa firmly at the helm.