G20 Summit: Advancing Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability

Translating G20 Summit commitments into practical policies that reflect daily realities

- By Thabo Mohlala

South Africa has been praised for using its chairmanship of the G20 Summit to advance the interests of other African countries, including those in the African Union.

But the key question remains: will this summit translate into tangible economic benefits, particularly for young people?

This was a central issue raised at a recent webinar hosted by Good Governance Africa (GGA) in partnership with the Mail & Guardian. The theme was Politics, Power and Youth Economic Emancipation in Africa's G20 Summit. Skillfully moderated by GGA's Dr Mmabatho Mongae, the discussion featured a panel of youth activists and experts, including Dr Lennon Monyae, civil society liaison officer at the African Peer Review Mechanism; Moeketsi Koahela, co-chair of Y20 South Africa and Education and training officer at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation; Dr Kagiso T.K. Pooe, associate professor of statecraft and policy at the African School of Governance (Kigali); Thami Masingi, policy mobilising and capacity manager at YD Co-Lab; Mahloromela Seabi, chair of the Postgraduate Association at Wits; and Mpilo Cele, executive chairman of the South African Youth Association of Global Affairs.

The rise of economic nationalism

Dr Mongae noted that the G20 Summit is taking place against the backdrop of resurgent economic nationalism, particularly in the United States and China. Unfortunately, she said, Africa and most global South countries are bearing the brunt of these shifts. She asked whether the G20 is the right platform to address the continent's pressing challenges, especially as Africa has the world's youngest population, with a median age of just 19.

Democratic backslide