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South Africa will host the inaugural Global Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from 22 to 24 July 2025 in Johannesburg, as announced by the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni. This landmark event highlights South Africa’s growing influence in global economic diplomacy and its leadership within the G20 on matters impacting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, Minister Ndabeni outlined the government’s goal to drive international consensus around more formalized representation of MSMEs within the G20 structure. “We are clear in our view that the G20 needs a dedicated Working Group focused on MSMEs. This Ministerial Meeting will catalyze to advance that position,” she said.
The forum is expected to elevate the voices and priorities of smaller businesses, often vulnerable, yet fundamental to economic vitality worldwide. According to the International Labour Organisation and the World Bank, SMEs comprise about 90% of businesses globally and contribute roughly two-thirds of global employment. Their importance in driving innovation, inclusive growth, and resilience has only grown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions.
A major theme of the upcoming meeting will be strengthening support systems for SMEs through practical and scalable initiatives. One long-standing barrier remains access to finance, particularly in developing economies where structural challenges and high lending risks limit capital availability. Minister Ndabeni stressed that financial inclusion would be a central focus: “We intend to make ‘access to capital’ a headline issue in the policy discussions.”
Trade and market access will also be key topics. As global value chains evolve in response to rising protectionism, MSMEs face both risks and new opportunities. The meeting will explore strategies to help smaller businesses adapt to this shifting environment and ensure they are not left behind by macroeconomic changes.
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South Africa’s role as host aligns with its G20 presidency, offering a pivotal moment to influence international SME policy frameworks. The gathering will bring together ministers and senior officials responsible for SME development from across the globe, creating a platform for policy coordination, strategic dialogue, and actionable outcomes.
With expectations high, stakeholders hope the meeting will deliver tangible results and long-term partnerships. Beyond symbolic leadership, South Africa’s hosting of this milestone event signals a strong commitment to integrating MSMEs more firmly into the fabric of global economic governance.
