G20 finance chiefs meet in Durban under tariff cloud
The club, which came to the fore as a forum for international co-operation to combat the global financial crisis, has for years been hobbled by disputes among key players exacerbated by Russia's war in Ukraine and Western sanctions on Moscow.
Host South Africa, under its presidency motto 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability', has aimed to promote an African agenda, with topics including the high cost of capital and funding for climate change action.
The G20 aims to co-ordinate policies but its agreements are non-binding.
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent will not attend the two-day meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors, marking his second absence from a G20 event in South Africa this year.
Bessent also skipped February's Cape Town gathering, where several officials from China, Japan and Canada were also absent, even though Washington is due to assume the G20 rotating presidency at the end of the year.

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The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Moneyweb launches G20-focused podcast hosted by Jeremy Maggs
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit for the first time on African soil, Moneyweb announced the launch of its new podcast: Mandates and Megaphones, hosted by veteran broadcaster Jeremy Maggs. Launching on Monday, 21 July 2025, this weekly series will track the political, economic, and diplomatic developments leading up to the November summit in Johannesburg – a milestone moment for Africa and the global economy. Each Monday, a new episode will unpack the major themes shaping the G20 agenda – from debt, diplomacy and climate justice to global trade tensions, digital transformation, infrastructure gaps, and Africa's voice at the table. With sharp editorial analysis, high-profile guests, and behind-the-scenes insights, Mandates and Megaphones promises to be essential listening for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand how the G20 influences global economic direction – and what it means for South Africa. The man behind the mic Jeremy Maggs is one of South Africa's most respected media professionals, with over four decades of experience across television, radio, and print. He currently hosts Moneyweb@Midday and Hot Business on Hot 102.7. Maggs has held senior editorial roles at eNCA and Radio 702's Eyewitness News. He is also the author of the bestseller Win!, co-author of A Century Ignited, and founder of a respected media training consultancy. Pan Macmillan published his memoir, My Final Answer, in 2021. His radio show, The Power Update on Power 98.7, was awarded Best Current Affairs Programme at the 2017 Liberty Radio Awards. He was inducted into the SA Radio Hall of Fame the same year. 'The G20 is more than just a diplomatic gathering – it's a battleground of mandates, influence, and priorities,' says Maggs. 'This podcast is about helping South Africans make sense of how those decisions affect our economy and our future.' A platform for strategic dialogue Ryk van Niekerk, editor of Moneyweb, adds: 'Mandates and Megaphones will be the premier South African podcast covering the G20 – incisive, authoritative, and essential listening for policymakers, industry leaders and global observers.' With South Africa stepping onto the world stage as G20 host, this podcast is more than just a media product – it's a space for meaningful dialogue. With Jeremy Maggs at the helm, Mandates and Megaphones will resonate in boardrooms, media briefings, and diplomatic circles alike. The podcast is brought to you by Standard Bank Group, the lead sponsor of the B20, the official business dialogue forum of the G20. The series will explore both public and private sector perspectives on Africa's evolving economic role. Release schedule The first episode will air on Monday, 21 July. New episodes will be released every Monday until the summit concludes in late November. Follow Mandates and Megaphones wherever you get your podcasts, or download the Moneyweb app to stay informed – anytime, anywhere. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
G20 members commit to addressing debt vulnerabilities
Members of the G20 have pledged to address the mounting debt pressures in low and middle-income economies amid global financial turbulence. Image: SAgovnews Home » G20 members commit to addressing debt vulnerabilities Members of the G20 have pledged to address the mounting debt pressures in low and middle-income economies amid global financial turbulence. Image: SAgovnews Members of the G20 have pledged to address the mounting debt pressures in low and middle-income economies amid the global financial is according to Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo who addressed a media briefing following the third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting held in KwaZulu-Natal this and emerging economies – particularly those in Africa – are grappling with high and rising debt vulnerabilities, shrinking fiscal flexibility and high borrowing costs.'[Members]… reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the implementation of the G20 Common Framework. To give effect to this, the G20 FMCBG endorsed the G20 Note on Lessons Learned from the Initial Common Framework Cases and the G20 Note on Steps of a Debt Restructuring under the Common Framework. 'These documents have been published on the G20 website. In addition, fact sheets on the Common Framework country cases for Chad, Zambia and Ghana have also been published on the G20 and Paris Club websites to improve information sharing,' he said. In further discussions, the members also acknowledged the G20 Note on Special drawing rights [SDRs] which, the Deputy Minister said, 'highlights the achievement of exceeding $100 billion in voluntary channelling of SDRs or equivalent contributions for countries in need.'The pledges to this currently stand at some $113.8 billion coming from 35 countries. 'Members also underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in MDBs [Multilateral Development Banks]and other international economic and financial institutions.'Members recognised the relative resilience of capital flows in Emerging Market and Developing Economies [EMDEs] despite heightened global policy uncertainty – underscored by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and sound policy frameworks. 'They also highlighted the growing influence of non-bank financial institutions [NBFIs] and stressed the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of their impact on these flows. Members further emphasised the significance of structural reforms in fostering long-term sustainable capital flows to EMDEs,' said the Deputy Minister. Regarding energy transitions, Masondo said during the meeting, Ministers and central bank Governors considered key recommendations for 'enhancing collaboration among Vertical Climate and Environment Funds, Multilateral Development Banks, National Development Banks and the private sector'.'Members reaffirmed the urgency of scaling up financing for adaptation and just transitions and reflected on key recommendations emerging from a comprehensive analysis undertaken by multiple knowledge partners. These included guidance on integrating adaptation into voluntary transition planning, addressing insurance protection gaps, scaling financing mechanisms, and strengthening enabling environment.'[They] also received an update on the work of the Climate Data Steering Committee, which has developed a set of principles for the development of a Common Carbon Credit Data Model aimed at promoting interoperability and improving transparency of carbon markets. 'They noted that the draft data model is currently undergoing a public consultation with both the private and public sectors,' the Deputy Minister said. The Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) took place on 17 and 18 July 2025 in Durban. The National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank are jointly responsible for overseeing the work of the G20 Finance Track under the co-chairship of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Pan-African vision: MK party backs strategic alliance with Morocco
The MK Party's support for a strategic partnership between South Africa and Morocco aims to reshape African geopolitics and foster unity, economic emancipation, and territorial integrity. In a bold move to reshape African geopolitics and foster deeper regional cooperation, the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has announced its support for a strategic partnership between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco. This alignment is framed as a step towards African unity, economic emancipation, and territorial integrity, themes deeply embedded in the continent's ongoing struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. With historical ties, shared values, and common security and economic interests, the MK Party's proposal lays the groundwork for a powerful bilateral alliance that could redefine Africa's role on the global stage. Pan-African vision The MK Party is advocating for a robust strategic alliance between South Africa and Morocco. The goal is to enhance African unity, uphold territorial integrity, and pursue economic independence. Shared anti-colonial legacy Both nations emerged from anti-colonial struggles: Morocco from French and Spanish rule, South Africa from apartheid. Morocco supported South Africa's liberation movement, including early assistance to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. Mutual respect for sovereignty The MK Party aligns with Morocco's stance on preserving national unity and defending against separatist threats. The defence of South Africa's own territorial integrity is cited as a parallel struggle. Geopolitical alignment Both countries support multipolar diplomacy and UN/African Union reform to amplify African voices. Joint concerns include regional destabilisation caused by foreign-backed separatism. Economic synergy South Africa and Morocco are among Africa's top investors. The MK Party sees potential for increased intra-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Key areas for collaboration: agriculture, food security, digital transformation, and infrastructure. Cultural and social exchange Shared cultural diversity and history position both nations to lead in Afrocentric education and youth exchange. Proposals include curriculum sharing, heritage festivals, and language programmes. Controversial but strategic support for Morocco's Sahara position MK supports Morocco's claim over Western Sahara, citing historical legitimacy and tribal allegiance to the Moroccan throne. The 1975 Green March is described as a non-violent decolonisation effort. Morocco's autonomy proposal is seen as a realistic compromise that ensures peace and local governance under Moroccan sovereignty. Roadmap for bilateral strengthening Proposed diplomatic framework for collaboration at the UN and AU. Economic agreement, including a potential free trade deal between the two nations. Joint security initiatives to tackle regional threats. Academic, cultural, and technological cooperation aimed at empowering youth and promoting African identity. MK envisions the South Africa–Morocco partnership as a cornerstone for Africa's renaissance with the alliance grounded in historical solidarity and shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development. IOL News