Startup20:
The Global Entrepreneurship forum for G20
Startup20 brings together Entrepreneurship ecosystem stakeholders from G20 countries, selected invited countries and international organisations to discuss better ways to support the start and scale of startups, micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).
The G20 is a leading global platform for economic cooperation, bringing together 19 countries, the African Union, and the European Union. In 2025, South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, marking a pivotal moment for the continent to shape global economic and development priorities. Startup20, an official G20 Engagement Group, was first launched under Indias presidency in 2023 and continues under South Africas leadership. It serves as a global forum for start-ups and MSME ecosystem stakeholders to engage directly with G20 leaders raising key challenges, opportunities, and macroeconomic concerns faced by entrepreneurs. Startup20 South Africa will operate through dedicated Task Forces, each focused on priority areas that drive innovation, policy support, and global start-up collaboration. The group will develop recommendations through a consensus driven approach, with outcomes presented to the G20 Presidency for consideration at the G20 Summit 2025. This initiative reflects South Africas commitment to empowering start-ups and MSMEs as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and its role in advancing global economic cooperation through innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation
Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability is the guiding theme of South Africas G20 Presidency. It reflects a collective commitment to addressing global challenges through unity, fairness, and long-term resilience. Solidarity highlights the need for global cooperation and mutual support, ensuring no nation is left behind.
Equality calls for inclusive growth that empowers all people, regardless of background or geography. Sustainability champions responsible development that protects the planet while advancing economic and social well-being for future generations. This theme anchors the priorities of all G20 tracks and shapes the high-level outcomes of South Africas Presidency.
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), lead the Startup20 South Africa engagement group under the G20 South Africa Presidency 2025. Positioned within their mandate to drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth, Startup20 is a strategic platform to elevate the role of startups and MSMEs in shaping global policy.
Together, DSBD and DSTI are spearheading efforts to engage the globals startup and MSME ecosytem, foster meaningful dialogue, and develop actionable recommendations that reflect the priorities of emerging and established economies alike.
22 On Sloane serves as the Secretariat for Startup20 South Africa under the G20 South Africa Presidency 2025. As Africas largest startup and entrepreneurship campus and a key ecosystem enabler, 22 On Sloane is responsible for the coordination and implementation of Startup20 activities throughout the year.
In this role, 22 On Sloane will manage the engagement groups operations, support the work of the Task Forces, and facilitate collaboration among global stakeholders. The Secretiat ensures that Startup20s strategic priorities are driven foward effectively and that all recommendations are cosolidated for submission to the G20 South Africa Presidency ahead of the G20 Summit.
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams : Minister of Small Business Development
Startup20 South Africa represents a powerful moment for our continent, a global stage to elevate the voice of startups, small businesses and innovators who are solving real-world challenges every day. We are honoured to lead this engagement group under the South African Presidency, ensuring that the aspirations and concerns of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem are not only heard but translated into meaningful policy recommendations.
Dr Blade Nzimande : Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation
Under South Africas G20 Presidency, Startup20 presents a powerful platform to elevate science, technology, and innovation as catalysts for inclusive development. Our mission is to ensure that innovation is not peripheral but central to how we educate, govern, industrialise, and uplift communities. This Presidency presents a call to action a call to reimagine growth through the lens of equity and sustainability, with science and technology playing a pivotal role in shaping our future.
Vuyani Jarana : Chair, Startup20
South Africas G20 Presidency represents a pivotal opportunity to place Africas priorities at the centre of global decision-making. We are honoured to lead with unity, innovation, and strategic collaboration, one that seeks to unlock shared prosperity and tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. Guided by the theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, our Presidency underscores the urgency of inclusive development and the power of digital and technological innovation to drive real impact especially in underserved and rural communities.
Kizito Okechukwu : Head, Startup20 Secretariat
Startup20 South Africa represents a powerful moment for our continent, a global stage to elevate the voice of startups, small businesses and innovators who are solving real-world challenges every day. We are honoured to lead this engagement group under the South African Presidency, ensuring that the aspirations and concerns of the global entrepreneurship ecosystem are not only heard but translated into meaningful policy recommendations.
Contact Us
General Enquiry
info@su20.org
Task Forces
taskforces@su20.org
Media
media@su20.org
