SA’s presidency of the G20 and B20 could shape the country’s global influence for years to come but the success of its proposals will hinge on trust, credibility and the ability to turn ambitious recommendations into measurable action, according to a report by Sanlam.
The 2025 edition of the Sanlam ESG Barometer, compiled by research firm and consultancy Krutham and published on Tuesday, analyses the trajectory of the B20 recommendations over the past three years to determine which have been adopted and implemented by G20 governments.
The report identifies the key ingredients that separate ideas which remain on paper from those that result in measurable change.
The report finds that successful B20 proposals share several common traits: clear alignment with G20 priorities, specific institutional or financial mechanisms, measurable targets, continuity through legacy structures, broad stakeholder engagement and a focus on the global public good.
“A solid foundation of trust between business, government and other stakeholders” is crucial for implementation of the recommendations, particularly in SA, where public-private relations have long been fraught, the report states.
Business Unity SA (Busa) and Business Leadership SA (BLSA) are co-chairs of B20 during SA’s leadership of the G20, and are jointly responsible for the forum’s programme.
The B20 brings together business leaders across G20 member states to formulate policy recommendations on issues affecting the global economy.
It acts as a bridge between the private sector and G20 governments, offering input on trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, digitalisation, labour and sustainability.
Watch Paul Hanratty on the B20 policy impact report:
Paul Hanratty, Sanlam Group CEO and chair of the B20 employment and education task force, said SA’s presidency came at a critical moment for global co-operation.
The barometer highlights four pillars for B20 SA: “unlocking inclusive growth; investing in human capital; driving industry reforms for resilience; and empowering women alongside small and medium-sized enterprises within supply chains.”
Its recommendations focus on measurable action, such as mobilising sustainable energy transition finance, expanding and modernising energy infrastructure, and accelerating industrialisation across the energy value chain.
Access to technology, developing AI ethics
Other proposals call for expanding access to technology for economic growth, developing AI ethics and regulation and investing in infrastructure and affordable access to digital learning.
The report also underscores the growing importance of legacy platforms — initiatives designed to extend the B20 impact beyond a single presidency.
“By the time SA assumed the G20 presidency in 2025, legacy initiatives were no longer optional; they had become a critical part of how B20 drives continuity, institutional memory and credibility,” the report states.
Indonesia’s presidency set the precedent by launching the carbon centre of excellence, which “marked a shift from one-year outputs to long-term impact”.
India followed with the B20 global institute, while Brazil created the B20 climate hub and the action council on women, diversity and inclusion.
SA’s task forces are shaping a regional digital transformation hub, a just energy transition platform and an open innovation network connecting science, youth and biodiversity efforts.
“We have a responsibility to ensure the continent’s economic voice is amplified at the highest level of global decision-making,” the report reads. “Our expertise in financial inclusion, sustainable investment, and digital transformation provides a unique vantage point.”
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