President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed renowned economist Professor Mariana Mazzucato as Technical Expert to South Africa’s G20 Presidency and his Special Presidential Representative to Taskforce 1, focusing on “Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment, and Reducing Inequality.” This move highlights South Africa’s bold ambition to steer global economic policies towards fairness and sustainability as it takes the helm of the G20 in 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, The Presidency announced that Professor Mazzucato will also play a key role in Taskforce 3, which centres on “Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance, and Innovation for Sustainable Development.” Beyond these taskforces, her expertise will extend to the Sherpa Track’s Trade and Investment Working Group, as well as the Finance Track’s Sustainable Finance Working Group and International Financial Architecture Working Group. These roles position her as a central figure in shaping South Africa’s G20 agenda.
Professor Mazzucato is no stranger to South Africa’s economic landscape. Since 2019, she has served on President Ramaphosa’s Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), offering insights on critical issues like green industrial strategies, strengthening State capacity, and reforming struggling State-owned enterprises. Her global influence was further cemented in 2024 when she co-chaired the Group of Experts for Brazil’s G20 Task Force for the Global Mobilisation Against Climate Change (TF-CLIMA), a role that showcased her ability to tackle pressing international challenges.
“This appointment underscores South Africa’s commitment to leveraging its leadership in the G20 to shape a more inclusive and sustainable global economy,” The Presidency said. “Professor Mazzucato, internationally recognised for her work on rethinking the State, green growth, mission-oriented innovation and public value creation, brings critical expertise to advancing South Africa’s goals on green industrialisation, inclusive growth, and long-term structural transformation.”
South Africa’s G20 Vision: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability
South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which officially began on 1 December 2024, is guided by the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” Under President Ramaphosa’s leadership, the country aims to lead global conversations on creating economic systems that work for everyone, especially developing nations. This is the first time an African country has presided over the G20, marking a historic moment for the continent.
The Presidency emphasised that South Africa is committed to building a global economic framework that prioritises green growth, resilience, and social equity. This vision aligns with Professor Mazzucato’s groundbreaking ideas, which challenge traditional economic models and push for governments to take an active role in driving innovation and tackling inequality.
Throughout 2025, South Africa will host over 130 G20 meetings across its provinces, culminating in the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November. This high-profile event will bring together world leaders to adopt a declaration addressing urgent global challenges like climate change, poverty, and economic instability.
A Pivotal Year for Multilateralism
The year 2025 has been dubbed “a pivotal year for multilateralism” by President Ramaphosa, alongside Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and Spain’s Prime Minister Sánchez. This statement reflects the importance of three major global events on the horizon: the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, the Financing for Development Conference in Seville, and COP30 in Belém, Brazil. These gatherings will shape the future of international cooperation on economic growth, climate action, and sustainable development.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency comes at a critical time. The world is grappling with rising inequality, a worsening climate crisis, and sluggish economic growth. By appointing a heavyweight like Professor Mazzucato, President Ramaphosa signals his intent to tackle these issues head-on, with a focus on solutions that benefit not just South Africa, but the entire Global South.
What This Means for South Africa and the G20
South Africa’s G20 Presidency is more than just a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage. With Professor Mazzucato’s guidance, the country aims to champion policies that reduce inequality, create employment, and promote sustainable industrial growth. Her work on artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance will also be crucial as nations navigate the opportunities and risks of rapid technological change.
The inclusion of the African Union as a full G20 member in 2023 adds extra weight to South Africa’s presidency. It’s a chance to highlight Africa’s potential as a hub for growth and innovation, especially with its young population and vast natural resources. Professor Mazzucato’s expertise could help unlock this potential, paving the way for investments in green energy, infrastructure, and digital economies.
By Thabo Mosia