G20 DWG Insights: Dr Robert Nkuna on South Africa’s Global Development Role

South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency marks a major moment for Africa in global policy. As host, the nation leads the global conversation on development, equality, and sustainability. Dr Robert Nkuna, Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME), plays a central role. His insights reveal how South Africa intends to shape outcomes for Africa and the world.

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Historic Moment for Africa

South Africa’s G20 Presidency, spanning from December 2024 to November 2025, marks a historic milestone as the first African nation to lead this influential global forum. Taking place just five years before the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, this presidency carries immense responsibility and global expectations. South Africa is leveraging this unique position to champion solidarity, equality, and sustainability, aiming to galvanize international cooperation and deliver concrete progress on the most pressing global challenges, including inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, debt sustainability, and technological innovation.

This period offers a pivotal opportunity to accelerate efforts toward the 2030 agenda by aligning global priorities with Africa’s development aspirations. South Africa’s leadership is focused on mobilizing support for developing countries, particularly in Africa and the Global South, by advocating for reforming international financial systems, enhancing social protection, and addressing climate change impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations. By placing Africa’s development at the forefront of the G20 agenda, South Africa seeks not only to influence policy but also to drive tangible outcomes that reduce inequality and strengthen resilience in a rapidly evolving global economic landscape.

Dr Nkuna’s Facilitation Role

Dr Nkuna explains, “Our role is to facilitate, not dictate, negotiations among member states.” He leads the DPME team, which supports all G20 Development Working Group (DWG) activities. Moreover, he ensures discussions reflect African priorities, not just South African interests. “We may host, but these issues affect the whole continent,” he says.

Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability: The G20 Theme

The theme set by Minister Maropene Ramokgopa is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainable Development.” This choice links South Africa’s presidency to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similarly, it aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Therefore, South Africa’s leadership emphasizes shared solutions for all, especially the most vulnerable.

DWG Priority Areas

Under South Africa’s leadership, the Development Working Group (DWG) focuses on three critical priority areas to drive sustainable development globally. First, the DWG advocates for broader access to global public goods, emphasizing the importance of resilient health systems, expanded digital infrastructure, and enhanced climate resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant disparities in healthcare access and digital connectivity, especially in developing countries. South Africa’s DWG promotes international cooperation and investment to build affordable and inclusive health services, strengthen digital networks, and implement innovative climate adaptation solutions—particularly for vulnerable regions like Africa and Small Island Developing States.

Second, the DWG is committed to combating illicit financial flows (IFFs), which drain much-needed resources from developing nations and undermine their capacity to fund essential services. By improving domestic resource mobilization, enhancing tax compliance, and fostering international collaboration on financial transparency, the DWG works to curb these outflows that often exceed official aid for some least developed countries. Additionally, South Africa’s agenda includes strengthening social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations from economic and environmental shocks, through expanding access to cash transfers and leveraging digital tools for effective social protection delivery. These combined efforts aim to build more equitable, resilient societies and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Championing Multilateralism

Dr Nkuna urges a shift from narrow bilateral interests to true multilateral cooperation. “Development must deliver dignity, opportunity, and access for all,” he states. As a result, South Africa stands as Africa’s advocate, demanding that global rules serve people, not just systems. Specifically, it insists that African voices shape global decisions.

Kruger National Park Summit: African Stewardship

The DWG chose Kruger National Park for its fourth major meeting. This setting underlines Africa’s commitment to sustainability and stewardship. Later, Minister Ramokgopa described the meeting as “a stewardship moment for the world.” Delegates discussed concrete steps to build a future where no one is left behind.

Fighting Global Inequality

Inequality remains a top challenge. Deputy Minister Seiso Joel Mohai says, “Illicit financial flows rob countries of resources.” For example, these flows weaken health and education, harming the most vulnerable. Therefore, the DWG calls for strict global rules to stop them. Similarly, South Africa pushes for better cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society.

Putting the African Context First

Dr Nkuna insists, “We must always consider Africa’s needs in global decisions.” While South Africa hosts, its goal is to lift the whole continent. As a result, DWG outcomes must deliver for all Africans, especially the young, women, and rural communities.

Measuring Real Impact

Minister Ramokgopa states, “Citizens want results, not paperwork.” Dr Nkuna agrees, calling for “progress people can see.” Specifically, the DWG tracks actions that improve lives, such as better health services and more climate-resilient cities. Consequently, success means not just promises, but real improvements on the ground.

Addressing Global Challenges

The world faces urgent crises—poverty, climate change, conflict, and economic instability. However, South Africa’s leadership remains hopeful. “We see this as a crossroads for humanity,” says Minister Ramokgopa. She believes bold decisions now can reshape the global system for the better. Therefore, the G20 must act decisively.

The Importance of Policy Coherence

Dr Nkuna argues, “We need policy coherence and cooperation.” Only by working together can nations tackle complex global issues. For example, climate action must go hand in hand with job creation and poverty reduction. Similarly, digital access should empower people, not deepen divides.

Building Resilience in Africa

South Africa’s legacy will depend on building resilience across Africa. The DWG’s focus on social protection, infrastructure, and inclusive growth is vital. As a result, millions of Africans could benefit from new digital tools, better schools, and stronger health systems. In addition, green investments could create jobs and fight climate change.

Strengthening Partnerships

South Africa values global and local partnerships. For example, it works with the World Bank, IMF, African Union, and local NGOs. Dr Nkuna says, “We need everyone at the table.” Only through collaboration can Africa realize its full potential.

The Road to 2030

With five years until 2030, the pressure for results is rising. South Africa’s DWG leadership offers a model for the future. Specifically, it shows how a developing country can lead global talks and deliver for its people. As a result, Africa’s voice resonates stronger than ever in multilateral forums.

Lessons from South Africa’s Leadership

Dr Nkuna’s approach—rooted in facilitation, African solidarity, and people-focused outcomes—offers lessons for world leaders. First, true inclusivity means listening to all voices. Second, development must be measurable and meaningful. Third, global cooperation must translate into real gains for citizens.

South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency is a milestone for Africa and the world. Dr Robert Nkuna’s leadership in the DWG shows how a nation can bridge local needs and global action. By focusing on people, partnership, and results, South Africa sets a standard for inclusive, impactful global governance. As the world moves toward 2030, Africa’s voice—amplified by South Africa—will shape the future for all.