South Africa Leads the Charge: Task Forces Announced for B20 Summit Business Policy Recommendations

South Africa is stepping into a leadership role as host of the Business 20 (B20) Summit, preparing to shape global business policy for the Group of 20 (G20) nations. In a groundbreaking move, South Africa unveiled its Task Forces, a group of global business leaders tasked with delivering actionable recommendations on some of the world’s most pressing issues. With the B20 Summit set for November 2025, these Task Forces will engage in expert consultations and dialogues to refine their proposals, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard on the global stage.

Task Forces to Address Critical Global Issues

The announcement was made by B20 South Africa Sherpa, Cas Coovadia, who introduced eight Task Forces, each focused on key global concerns such as trade, energy, digital inclusion, and climate resilience. These task forces, which are being launched under the umbrella of Business Unity South Africa (Busa), aim to create impactful, business-led policy proposals by September 2025.

The Task Forces bring together a diverse group of business leaders from across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Their goal is to provide actionable insights for the G20 that reflect the challenges and priorities faced by businesses worldwide, particularly in developing economies.

A Historic Moment: Gender Equality in the Task Forces

In a historic move, 50% of the Task Force chairs are women—marking the first time in B20 history that gender equality has been so prominent. South Africa’s push for inclusivity and gender balance is evident in these appointments, with prominent female business leaders from various sectors taking on key leadership roles. This progress highlights the country’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive global business environment.

Task Force Leadership

The Task Forces are composed of leaders from top global businesses and organizations, with each group focusing on a critical area of policy:

• Trade and Investment Task Force – Chaired by Busi Mabuza of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), this Task Force will focus on trade policies, investment flows, and strategies to enhance global commerce.

• Employment and Education Task Force – Led by Paul Hanratty of Sanlam, this team will address issues related to labor markets, job creation, and the future of education in a rapidly changing global economy.

• Energy Mix and Just Transition Task Force – Headed by Daniel Mminele of Nedbank, this group will work on creating sustainable energy solutions while ensuring a just transition for all economies.

• Digital Transformation Task Force – Chaired by Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa of Naspers, this Task Force will look at the role of digital technologies in shaping global business landscapes and fostering inclusivity.

• Finance and Infrastructure Task Force – Led by Sim Tshabalala of Standard Bank Group, this Task Force will explore ways to enhance financial systems and infrastructure globally, with a focus on sustainable investment.

• Integrity and Compliance Task Force – Ruwayda Redfearn of Deloitte Africa chairs this Task Force, which will address issues related to corporate governance, ethics, and compliance in business.

• Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture Task Force – Chaired by Debra Mallowah of Bayer, this team will focus on ensuring sustainable practices within the global food systems and agricultural industries.

• Industrial Transformation and Innovation Task Force – Led by Andrew Kirby of Toyota, this group will focus on innovation in the industrial sector, pushing for transformations that enhance productivity and environmental sustainability.

Looking Ahead: Transforming Insights into Actionable Policy

As the B20 Summit approaches, Coovadia emphasized the importance of these Task Forces, stating, “Under their stewardship, these task forces will transform insights into actionable policy recommendations that reflect both global imperatives and Africa’s priorities.”

These Task Forces will not only engage with experts from around the world but will also ensure that African perspectives are integral to shaping the future of global business policy. With the leadership of South Africa, the B20 Summit is poised to set the stage for a more inclusive and innovative global economy.

A Turning Point for Global Business Leadership

South Africa’s announcement of the B20 Task Forces represents a significant milestone in the country’s growing influence on the global stage. By bringing together diverse leaders and prioritizing issues such as trade, energy, and gender equality, South Africa is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of global business policy. With the Task Forces set to deliver their proposals by 2025, the world is watching closely as these efforts begin to take shape, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.

{Source IOL}

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