G20 Trade and Investment Working Group and Ministerial Meeting – Nelson Mandela Bay

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), proudly hosted the prestigious G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) and Ministerial Meeting from 7 to 11 October 2025 at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre in Gqeberha. This landmark event, held under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, marked the fourth G20 gathering hosted in the city in 2025, cementing its growing reputation as a preferred destination for high-level international forums.

The five-day programme convened approximately 300 delegates from G20 member states, invited guest nations, international organisations, and the private sector. Delegates included trade ministers, senior policymakers, and global investment leaders, who met to discuss strategies for sustainable industrialisation, inclusive trade, and the future of multilateral cooperation.

As the fourth G20 event hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay in 2025, this milestone affirmed the city’s rising profile as a reliable and capable host for world-class diplomatic and economic forums. The G20 meetings formed part of South Africa’s official G20 Presidency calendar and offered a platform for strategic dialogue on issues critical to global trade, sustainable industrialisation, and inclusive economic growth.

Preparations for the event were led by the City’s Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) Directorate, supported by a dedicated G20 Task Team comprising multiple municipal departments, national agencies, and law enforcement structures. Venue readiness, safety and security, transport logistics, ICT systems, and media coordination were all executed to international standards.

Delegates engaged in three days of technical sessions, followed by two days of Ministerial discussions and side events, including business-to-business (B2B) engagements, a high-profile gala dinner, and a local Trade and Investment Exhibition. Over 30 local exhibitors—many of them SMMEs and innovators—were featured, fostering investment opportunities and showcasing the region’s economic potential.

The Ministerial Gala Dinner on 10 October was a highlight of the programme, blending protocol with cultural celebration. Guests were treated to local music, poetry, and cuisine, with keynote addresses delivered by Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi and Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane. The evening was concluded with a vote of thanks from Nelson Mandela Bay’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe.

To complement the formal programme, curated excursions were hosted on 11 October, including a Ministerial Golf Day at St. Francis Links and a Game Drive at Bellevue Forest Game Reserve. These activities highlighted the Eastern Cape’s rich biodiversity and hospitality offerings while providing informal networking opportunities for delegates.

The economic impact of the event was substantial. With international delegates spending an average of R6,400 per day and national delegates R3,200, the total direct spend by participants reached approximately R11.2 million. Combined with the event’s operational budget of over R8 million, the direct economic contribution stood at R19.2 million, with a total estimated economic impact of R22.4 million when indirect benefits are considered.

Beyond the financial returns, the event strengthened the city’s positioning as a strategic destination for investment and international cooperation. Local businesses, tourism operators, and service providers benefited directly from the exposure and commercial activity generated throughout the week.

The seamless execution of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group and Ministerial Meeting was made possible through the close collaboration of DTIC, NMBM, the National Convention Bureau, and key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Nelson Mandela Bay once again demonstrated its capacity to deliver large-scale, high-stakes international events with professionalism, cultural warmth, and strategic intent.