Africa takes center stage at Global South forum on governance and partnership with China

247 - Days before the start of the 2025 G20 Summit, Johannesburg will host the first... Global South Media and Think-Tank Forum – China-Africa Partnership Conferencebetween November 12 and 14. The information was released by National Network Africa (NNATVPlus).

With the theme "Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation"The meeting seeks to strengthen the position of the Global South in international debates and consolidate Africa as an active voice in the reshaping of multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, and UN.

Global narrative shift: from the periphery to the forefront.

Sello Lentsoane, head of Platforms and Strategy at the forum, told NNA TV Plus that the conference arises as a response to “a renewed impetus for cooperation among developing nations.” According to him, in the last ten years:

 "The concept of the Global South has evolved from a broad geopolitical term into a coordinated effort to reform global financial, political, and media systems that many believe have historically favored the Global North."

Lentsoane also highlighted that the event represents an opportunity for Africa to move beyond simply receiving development and become a builder of new economic and governance models.

 "The conference symbolizes a shift in the global narrative, in which African countries are not only beneficiaries of development, but also active architects of new economic and governance models."

China-Africa cooperation gains new strategic importance.

China is currently Africa's largest trading partner, with an estimated trade flow of... $ 282 billion in 2023According to data from Chinese customs, in addition to trade, Beijing has financed infrastructure projects, digital connectivity, and educational initiatives on the continent.

For Lentsoane, the choice of date is strategic:

 "The timing of the event positions Africa and China at the center of global debates on economic reform, climate commitments, and development financing ahead of the G20 Summit."

International participation and academic debate

The meeting, which will be held at the Houghton Hotel, will bring together academics, policymakers, and media professionals from countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

One of the most anticipated voices is that of the professor. Pumela Msweli, CEO and Executive Dean of the Graduate School of Business Leadership at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

In an interview with NNA TV Plus, Msweli advocated for a more assertive African participation in global governance:

 "Africa's participation in global governance must evolve from mere inclusion to genuine influence."

She further stated:

 “Global governance reform is no longer an abstract concept; it is a necessity for the African continent. It must begin with building institutions that reflect our realities and partnerships that respect our sovereignty.”

International recognition and African leadership

The event will also highlight the recent achievement of UNISA's School of Business Leadership (SBL), which received its first international accreditation in August. Business Graduates Association (BGA)Under Msweli's leadership, the institution made progress in the areas of entrepreneurship, women's leadership, and intra-African trade, according to university data.