On 8 April 2025, it was officially announced that 22 On Sloane has been appointed as the Secretariat of the Startup20 Engagement Group under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. This appointment is not only a proud moment for our organisation but also a significant milestone for Africa’s startup ecosystem. As a platform committed to enabling entrepreneurs across the continent, being entrusted with this role speaks directly to the work we’ve championed for years, which is supporting entrepreneurs from ideation to scale and shaping policies that create a more inclusive and innovative business environment.

Our appointment comes at a critical time. South Africa’s G20 Presidency marks the first time an African country has held this position, presenting a unique opportunity to place entrepreneurship at the centre of global policy discussions. As Secretariat, 22 On Sloane is leading the coordination of Startup20 activities in the country, including stakeholder engagements, task force operations, international collaboration efforts, policy drafting, and logistical delivery of the Startup20 agenda. In doing so, we aim to ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurial voice is not only heard but meaningfully represented.

From 21-22 July, we hosted the Startup20 Midterm Engagement in Johannesburg. The first in-person convening of the group under South Africa’s leadership. Held in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). The two-day engagement brought together over 300 + entrepreneurs, policymakers, ecosystem enablers, investors, and development organisations from across the G20 and beyond.

From the outset, the atmosphere was one of purpose and collaboration. The Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, welcomed delegates to the city and reaffirmed local government’s commitment to building entrepreneurship-led economies. This was followed by a keynote address from the Minister of Small Business Development, Honourable Stella Ndabeni, who reminded us that the engagement was a strategic moment to drive inclusive growth and policy that reflects the lived realities of Startups and MSMEs.

The Midterm Engagement featured two dynamic panel discussions. The first focused on the importance of building coherence in entrepreneurial ecosystems by strengthening collaboration between key players, including government, academia, private sector and support organisations. The second panel focused on grassroots to global recognition, exploring how entrepreneurs from informal traders to tech startups can access markets, secure finance, and move toward formalisation. These conversations were practical, reflective, and forward-looking while grounded in the experiences of those working closest to entrepreneurs.

Task force leads also presented draft recommendations across five thematic areas: Finance and Investment, Inclusion and Sustainability, Township and Rural Entrepreneurship, Trade and Market Access, and Foundation and Alliance. Their work laid the groundwork for the next phase of Startup20’s policy development, supported by an international synergy mapping session which aligned these efforts with broader G20 priorities.

A key highlight of the engagement was the official launch of Startup20 South Africa, led by Minister Ndabeni. The moment signified South Africa’s readiness to lead and collaborate, and to contribute meaningfully to shaping global frameworks that work for both grassroots and high-growth entrepreneurs.

The event concluded with reflections from the Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Honourable Jane Sithole, who called for bold and collaborative action to support women, youth, and marginalised entrepreneurs. The closing remarks by Director-General Thulisile Manzini reinforced the importance of shifting from aid to investment, and the need to anchor entrepreneurship in sustainable growth strategies that create long-term impact.

|
Our role as Secretariat is more than a title, it is a call to action. As we continue supporting the Startup20 process leading up to the G20 Presidential Summit in November, we remain committed to ensuring that entrepreneurs across Africa are not left on the sidelines of global economic dialogue. They are the innovators, the problem solvers, the job creators, and their voices matter.

Boitumelo Kodisang is the PR & Marketing Coordinator of 22 On Sloane