Opinion Piece

Seize the Moment: South Africa’s Role and Opportunities as the Current G20 Chair on Food Security and Agribusiness

In 2025, South Africa holds the prestigious chairmanship of the G20, the world’s preeminent forum for international economic cooperation. This is a pivotal moment for the country, as its leadership comes at a time when the global economy is facing a range of challenges—from climate change to economic disparity—and when food security and agribusiness are central to global development.

South Africa’s presidency presents a unique opportunity to not only elevate African voices but also to push for meaningful reforms that can impact the future of global food systems, agribusiness, and sustainable development.

A Critical Moment for Global Food Security

Food security is a growing global concern, exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and economic instability. South Africa’s leadership of the G20 offers an opportunity to address these issues head-on, particularly within the context of the Global South, where hunger and malnutrition remain persistent challenges. As the chair of the G20, South Africa can advocate for a more inclusive approach to food security, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of agricultural production, trade, climate policy, and social equity.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have revealed vulnerabilities in global food systems. Supply chains have been disrupted, and inflationary pressures have further pushed millions into food insecurity. According to the United Nations, nearly 1 in 10 people globally suffer from hunger, and in many regions of the Global South, this problem is compounded by poverty, lack of infrastructure, and political instability. South Africa, as the only African member of the G20, has a critical role to play in bringing attention to these issues, both within the G20 and on the global stage.

Leveraging Agribusiness for Economic Growth and Food Security

Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, particularly in Africa. With its vast agricultural potential, South Africa is aptly positioned to champion policies that encourage sustainable agribusiness development while promoting food security. South Africa’s leadership could foster partnerships that support agricultural innovation, improve infrastructure, and promote the use of green technologies. This could include advocating for increased investment in agribusiness that supports smallholder farmers and fosters rural economic development.

One of the key opportunities for South Africa in leading the G20 is its ability to drive a shift in how agricultural production and trade are managed globally. Agribusiness plays a crucial role in the economies of many developing countries, and agricultural systems must be modernized to meet the challenges of the 21st century. South Africa can use its position to advocate for policies that facilitate technology transfer, ensure fairer global trade rules, and promote sustainable farming practices that reduce environmental impacts.

Through the G20 platform, South Africa can push for greater support for developing countries in building the infrastructure needed to improve agricultural productivity and reduce food waste, a persistent issue that contributes to hunger despite global food surpluses. Additionally, South Africa can advocate for agribusiness practices that are both economically and environmentally sustainable, which could help mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture and ensure that the sector remains resilient in the face of future disruptions.

The Intersection of Climate Change and Food Security

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest threats to global food security. For countries in the Global South, the impacts of climate change on agriculture—such as droughts, floods, and changing growing seasons—are already being felt with devastating consequences. South Africa itself is no stranger to these challenges, with its reliance on water-intensive crops and its vulnerability to shifting weather patterns. As the chair of the G20, South Africa is poised to lead discussions on the critical nexus between climate action and food security.

A key area of focus could be advocating for “climate-smart” agriculture that encourages adaptive practices designed to mitigate the effects of climate change. This could include promoting the use of drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation techniques, and precision farming technologies. Additionally, South Africa can advocate for greater financial commitments from developed countries to support climate resilience efforts in the Global South, particularly through the provision of climate financing for smallholder farmers and rural communities.

By championing these policies, South Africa can help ensure that emerging economies—many of which are highly dependent on agriculture—are not left behind in the global transition to sustainable food systems. In the process, South Africa can build international consensus on the need for a just transition that considers the specific needs and challenges of developing countries in the Global South.

Enhancing African Agribusiness and Food Security

South Africa’s chairmanship of the G20 also offers a chance to elevate African agricultural priorities within the broader global conversation on food security. While Africa is rich in natural resources and has immense agricultural potential, it remains an underserved region when it comes to agricultural investment, technology, and market access. As the leading economy on the continent, South Africa can advocate for policies that support agricultural innovation and enhance food production capabilities across Africa.

The African continent has an estimated population of 1.4 billion people, many of whom rely directly on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, despite this dependence, Africa still faces massive challenges in achieving food security. These include underdeveloped infrastructure, limited access to financing, inadequate research and development in agriculture, and a lack of climate-resilient practices. Through the G20 platform, South Africa can push for investments in agricultural research and development, support farmers in accessing technology, and the creation of markets that promote intra-African trade in food products.

This would be particularly important in the context of South Africa’s leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase intra-African trade and strengthen the continent’s economic integration. By promoting the importance of food security in regional trade discussions, South Africa can help ensure that African nations work together to improve their agricultural output and reduce dependency on food imports.

Conclusion: Seizing the Moment

South Africa’s leadership of the G20 provides an unparalleled opportunity to address the pressing challenges of food security and agribusiness in the Global South. By pushing for a more inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient global food system, South Africa can not only improve the economic prospects of its own population but also play a pivotal role in advancing global efforts to eradicate hunger, alleviate poverty, and ensure food security for all.

In this moment of great global uncertainty, South Africa’s presidency is an opportunity to reshape the conversation on food security, transforming it from a peripheral issue to one of central importance in global governance. With its unique position at the intersection of developed and developing worlds, South Africa is poised to champion policies that can provide both immediate relief and long-term solutions, fostering a more equitable and sustainable global food system for generations to come.

Dr Thulasizwe Mkhabela is an Honorary Research Fellow with the African Centre for Food Security and the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an independent agricultural researcher and policy analyst with extensive experience in South African and African agricultural & development issues. He is also a director and Senior Researcher at Outcome Mapping (www.outcomemapping.co.za): thulasizwe.mkhabela@gmail.com; Dr Mkhabela is also a Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) associate.

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