G20 could act as catalyst for renewed confidence in SA
Experience shows that when developing nations host the G20, they often gain more than just a moment in the diplomatic spotlight; they earn a platform to reshape investor perceptions and reposition themselves on the global economic map, says the writer.
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The upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa presents an invaluable opportunity to reshape global perceptions of the country - not only politically, but as a serious investment destination. For the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) landscape, this visibility could act as a catalyst for renewed confidence in South African and other major African markets.
As global investors engage with the region’s policymakers and business leaders, the narrative can shift from risk to resilience. A successful summit could spark sustained interest in strategic partnerships, unlock new capital flows and set the stage for a more robust, connected M&A environment across the continent.
Past experience suggests that when developing nations host the G20, they often gain more than a moment in the diplomatic spotlight - they earn a platform to redefine investor perceptions and reposition themselves on the global economic map. India, Indonesia and Brazil each used their G20 presidencies to attract long-term capital and strengthen investor confidence - South Africa now has the same opportunity.
For the local M&A community, the G20 Summit can be a powerful enabler. It will place South Africa’s financial sophistication, deal-making expertise, and regional leadership squarely before global investors. This is a chance for business to showcase South Africa’s stability, innovation and role as a gateway to Africa.
However, to translate global interest into sustainable investment, it is essential that investors partner with local advisory firms that specialise in inward investment and cross-border M&A. Local advisers understand the regulatory landscape, the nuances of deal execution and the partnership dynamics that underpin successful transactions in South Africa and across the continent. Their insight bridges the gap between international capital and African opportunity, ensuring that deals are not only viable but value-creating in the long term.
If business leaders align around a clear investment narrative, the G20 could mark a turning point: from episodic foreign interest to a sustained re-rating of South Africa and Africa as dynamic, investable markets for M&A.
Andrew Bahlmann, Chief Executive, Corporate and Advisory, Deal Leaders International