COMESA was among the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) that   participated in the Group of Twenty (G20)’s first meeting to be chaired by an African nation held on 20 – 21 February 2025.

Under South Africa’s leadership, the inaugural G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting took place in Johannesburg, attended by ministers from the member countries, representatives from invited nations, international organizations, and RECs.

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on 1 December 2024, a term that will run until 30 November 2025.

Leading the COMESA delegation was Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Kadah, who participated in the two- day event. In his remarks, he urged the G20 nations to strengthen regional integration by supporting RECs, fostering a rules-based international trading system, addressing the root causes of conflict, and promoting good

governance, democracy, and human rights. He also reaffirmed COMESA’s commitment to working closely with South Africa’s presidency and the G20 to achieve shared goals.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Ambassador Dr. Kadah engaged in bilateral discussions with key partners, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan and the Director-General of the African Development Bank Ms. Leila Farah Mokaddem, to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.

South Africa’s G20 presidency is themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” reflecting its dedication to addressing global challenges through inclusive and equitable solutions.