The inaugural meeting of the South African G20 Presidency’s Task Force 1 on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality (Task Force 1) was convened on 17 March 2025, virtually. The Task Force meeting was led by the Acting Director General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms. Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, and the Deputy Director General of the Department of Employment and Labour, Ms. Aggy Moiloa. The work on a Critical Minerals Framework within the Task Force was led by the Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Jacob Mbele.
The meeting served as a platform for South Africa to present, engage on and build consensus on the priorities proposed by South Africa for this Task Force during its Presidency of the G20. These priorities were presented in three sessions as follows:
Session 1: Towards developing G20 Principles for Inclusive Economic Growth, Employment and Reduced Inequality.
Session 2: Towards developing G20 High-Level Principles on Green Industrial Policy for Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Jobs, and Equality.
Session 3: Towards developing a G20 Critical Minerals Framework.
The Welcoming Remarks were delivered by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth, who emphasised the importance of fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to address global economic challenges, whilst ensuring that there is significant progress made in the deadline set for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. Minister Meth reaffirmed the vision of South Africa’s G20 Presidency to build on the previous G20 Presidencies to ensure continuity, re-ignite political commitment to multilateral institutions as well find innovative solutions to challenges that plague the global economic climate.
Opening remarks were delivered on behalf of South Africa’s G20 Sous-Sherpa, Amb. Xolisa Mabhongo, by the coordinator of the Task Force, Amb. Dave Malcomson.
Professor Mariana Mazzucato, Special Representative of President Cyril Ramaphosa on Task Force 1, reflected on the need to address fiscal policies, financial policies and Green Industrial strategies, as these are the key drivers of inclusive growth and development. In addition, Professor Mazzucato called for a development of a New Social Contract between the public and private sector that will be based on reciprocity. In concluding, Professor Mazzucato called for South Africa’s G20 Presidency to be seen as a solutions G20.
Presentations were made by designated Knowledge Partners in each of the three Sessions, followed by inputs and comments by the G20 members, invited Guest Countries, and International Organisations.
There was overwhelming support for South Africa’s priorities and envisaged deliverables for the Task Team and the inputs will be used to further develop the three deliverable documents for further discussion during the second meeting of the Task Force in April 2025.
