As Johannesburg prepares to host thousands of G20 delegates, business leaders, support staff and global media, the immediate boost to tourism and hospitality is already evident. But beyond the hotel bookings and heightened international attention, the summit represents a critical opportunity for South Africa to reposition itself as a serious economic and logistics hub, provided it tackles its long-standing infrastructure challenges. According to Chas Everitt International CEO Berry Everitt, the G20 can act as a powerful showcase of South Africa’s investment appeal, particularly in tourism and real estate.
He points to the strong rebound in international arrivals, with more than 7.6 million visitors recorded between January and September this year, over a million more than the same period in 2024. With government estimates suggesting that every 12 tourists support at least two jobs directly and indirectly, this surge translates into more than 160,000 livelihoods across sectors such as hospitality, transport, food production, arts, crafts and property. Tourism currently contributes nearly 9% to South Africa’s GDP and supports about 1.68 million jobs, reinforcing its importance as both a social and economic pillar. Everitt notes that increased global attention tends to feed directly into rising investor confidence and property market activity.
However, experts caution that this momentum will not translate into sustainable economic gains if structural issues remain unresolved. Ernst van Biljon from the IMM Graduate School argues that South Africa must urgently improve its logistics and supply chain efficiency if it wants to convert the G20 platform into long-term growth. Although the logistics and supply chain sector already contributes around 11.8% to GDP, inefficiencies in freight rail and port operations especially in key corridors perform at less than 50% efficiency and continue to undermine export competitiveness.
Van Biljon adds that the G20 agenda, which focuses on infrastructure reform, industrial diversification and sustainable growth, aligns closely with South Africa’s own economic priorities. Encouragingly, public-sector spending on infrastructure has been rising for a third consecutive year, reaching R276 billion in 2024, up from R234 billion in 2023, an 18% increase following a prolonged downturn that began in 2016. While this signals renewed commitment, analysts agree that execution will determine whether the G20 becomes a short-term tourism win or a genuine catalyst for economic renewal. Ultimately, the summit presents South Africa with a strategic moment to show not only its potential, but its capacity to deliver.
