B20 South Africa champions growth at Africa CEO Forum
The Africa CEO Forum this week became a powerhouse of bold ideas as Business 20 South Africa (B20 SA), the official G20 business engagement group, explored how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, investment and economic integration across the continent.
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Dr Anthony Costa, Head of the B20 South Africa Secretariat, together with fellow experts, delivered a powerful call to action during the 'Invest in South Africa' panel, urging a paradigm shift in how the world engages with Africa's development.
In his remarks, Costa emphasised the importance of clear, actionable policy frameworks that enable sustained collaboration between governments and the private sector.
He noted that B20 South Africa is currently driving a year-long process that convenes more than 1 500 global private sector leaders across eight Task Forces.
The aim is to develop practical recommendations that align business efforts with government priorities to unlock inclusive growth, in a cooperating world.
The panel also explored mechanisms to improve investor confidence in Africa's industrialisation agenda.
Three core areas for action were outlined: establishing clear and trackable public-private partnership models, enhancing governance and transparency systems and addressing critical skills shortages through targeted development programmes.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi added: 'President Cyril Ramaphosa has been adamant about cutting red tape to streamline company registrations and merger approvals in South Africa.
'We have strongly advocated to the Competition Commission for faster review and approval timelines.
'This is critical to facilitating smoother partnerships between South African and foreign businesses and ensuring investments in the country can flourish.'
Costa stressed that improving policy certainty and governance standards is essential to creating an enabling environment for investment.
On the question of Africa's role in mobilising global capital, Costa urged stakeholders to reframe the continent's investment narrative.
'Africa must move from being viewed through a risk lens to being recognised for its strategic opportunities,' he said.
He also pointed to South Africa's G20 Presidency in 2025 as a strategic moment for the continent.
Through B20 South Africa, the private sector has a direct channel to shape global economic priorities while ensuring African perspectives are embedded in that process.
'B20 South Africa is building a strong, credible platform to advance the continent's growth agenda,' he concluded.
'We are focused on delivering outcomes that are not only ambitious but practical and implementable by both business and government.'
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