A series of G20 preparatory meetings has taken place across South Africa in recent weeks, paving the way for the leaders’ summit later this year.

On 11 September, Mpumalanga hosted the Third Tourism Working Group, which consolidated inputs for the G20 Tourism Ministers’ meeting held the following day. The ministers finalised an action plan to promote sustainable tourism among member states.

At the same time, the Western Cape hosted the Third Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion meeting on 11–12 September, which focused on inclusive growth strategies. In Johannesburg, mayors from leading world cities convened for the Urban 20 Mayoral Summit between 12 and 14 September, with discussions focused on elevating urban priorities within the G20 agenda.

From 15 to 17 September, the Global SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) Finance Forum drew 1 200 participants from over 60 countries and 240 financial institutions to Gauteng. As an official G20 side event, the forum explored blended finance structures and guarantee programmes to help unlock new sources of capital for small businesses.

These gatherings reflect South Africa’s role as G20 presidency and its efforts to showcase local capacity while contributing to global solutions on tourism, financial inclusion, urban development, and SME growth.