Africa Day Reflections Anchor Opening of Third G20 Development Working Group Meeting
By Jesselene Pandaram
Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, officially opened the Third G20 Development Working Group (DWG) meeting on 25 May 2025. Held in Zimbali, KwaZulu-Natal, the opening coincided meaningfully with Africa Day – offering a symbolic backdrop for the Minister’s reflections on the continent’s developmental trajectory and its leadership within global multilateral platforms.
In her opening address, Minister Ramokgopa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advancing inclusive development and strengthening global cooperation, particularly from the perspective of the Global South.
“On this Africa Day, we reaffirm the continent’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and multilateralism,” she said. “South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not just a position of leadership — it is a call to action to ensure that development is just, equitable and responsive to the needs of the Global South.”
The three-day meeting brought together representatives of G20 Member States, invited countries, and international organisations for comprehensive deliberations on key global development issues. Central themes included accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthening the provision of global public goods, and addressing persistent structural inequalities.
The Minister emphasised the importance of centering African voices and solutions in global discourse:
“Africa has always been a site of innovation, resistance and hope. As we meet under South Africa’s Presidency, we are reminded that solutions must be shaped by those most affected – and by voices that have long been sidelined.”
Delegates engaged in in-depth discussions aligned with the DWG’s 2025 priorities: combating illicit financial flows, enhancing domestic resource mobilisation, expanding inclusive social protection systems, and aligning development finance more effectively with the SDGs.
Negotiations unfolded in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect, with participants demonstrating strong political will to advance a transformative development agenda.
To conclude the meeting, delegates were hosted at a vibrant Boma braai at Sibaya. Welcomed by traditional Zulu dancers and the rhythms of homegrown music from across the G20, the evening offered a moment of cultural exchange and camaraderie — with delegates sharing in dance, conversation, and celebration of unity in diversity.
Following the meeting, the Director-General of the Department of Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, Dr Robert Nkuna, reflected on the intensity and constructiveness of the negotiations, noting a shared understanding that key issues will continue to be refined through ongoing and respectful dialogue.
The outcomes of the meeting will feed into the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to take place in Mpumalanga from 24 to 25 July 2025, following the 4th DWG meeting from 21 to 23 July 2025.
The DPME expressed its appreciation to all participants for their commitment to shared development goals and thanked its partners for their continued collaboration.
To watch a replay of Minister Ramokgopa’s live address click here: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1mrGmPZlLEDKy
Photo credit: GCIS
