South Africa outlines startup development priorities within G20

South Africa, which has assumed the chairmanship of the G20 Startup20 Engagement Group, has identified key areas of focus during its presidency of the group. This was announced by Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, as quoted on the official website of the South African government.

She stated that South Africa proposes to concentrate on five strategic priorities: supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, improving access to finance, promoting inclusivity and sustainability, expanding markets, and fostering both urban and rural entrepreneurship.

Ndabeni-Abrahams noted that special attention will be given to the inclusion of women and youth, the promotion of digital trade, the development of the circular economy, and the modernisation of public procurement systems. She also emphasised the need to stimulate entrepreneurship in underdeveloped municipalities through infrastructure solutions and cooperative business models.

The minister clarified that expert teams from South Africa and other countries are working on concrete initiatives. The outcomes will be presented at the Startup20 Summit, scheduled to take place on 13–14 November 2025, according to Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

She added that South Africa intends to represent the interests of the Global South within the G20, particularly on issues related to food security, debt burden, and access to investment. According to Ndabeni-Abrahams, the African Union’s accession to the G20 has opened new opportunities for aligning regional and global priorities.

Startup20 is a G20 initiative that brings together startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the world’s leading economies on a single platform for dialogue and cooperation.

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