Trade & Investment Task Force

Task Force Overview

In a time of rising trade uncertainty, fragmented value chains, and growing environmental pressures, the B20 South Africa Trade & Investment Task Force plays a critical role in shaping policy proposals that support open, sustainable, and inclusive global trade.

The Task Force is focused on three priority areas:

  1. Revitalising Multilateralism:
    Advocating for pragmatic reforms to rebuild trust in the global trading system, including tariff de-escalation, dispute settlement reform at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and greater transparency.
  2. Accelerating African Integration:
    Supporting the full and fast implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock a $3.4 trillion market, reduce trade barriers, and position Africa as a new global growth engine.
  3. Developing Climate-Responsive Trade Architecture:
    Promoting interoperable carbon standards and advocating for adaptation finance solutions that enable businesses, especially in emerging markets, to participate in low-carbon global value chains without facing disproportionate compliance costs.

This work aims to ensure that trade remains a driver of inclusive growth, shared prosperity, and global cooperation, anchored in an integrated Africa and a re-energised multilateral system.

Leadership Overview

Chairperson, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

Task Force Chair

Mmakgoshi Lekhethe

CEO, Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC) (2015-2025)

Deputy Chair

Mmakgoshi Lekhethe

CEO, Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC) (2015-2025)

Deputy Chair

Co-Chairs

Barbara Cimmino

General Federation of Italian Industry (Confindustria)

David Roth

Amazon

Dr. Benedict Oramah

Afreximbank

Dr. Patrik Kovacs

Business at OECD

Duncan Wanblad

Anglo American

Harsha Agarwal

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

Mary Vilakazi

FirstRand

Mpumi Madisa

Bidvest Group

Miao Jianmi

China Merchants Group

Nardos Bekele-Thomas

Africa Union Development Agency - New Partnerships for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD)

Pamela Coke-Hamilton

International Trade Centre

H.E Wamkele Keabetswe Mene

African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA)

Chair Introduction Video

Hear from Task Force Chair Busi Mabuza:

As Chair of the Trade & Investment Task Force, Busi Mabuza highlights the Task Force’s mission to drive inclusive trade growth, deepen African integration, and promote sustainable commerce:

As Chair of the Employment & Education Task Force, Paul Hanratty shares the Task Force’s mission to drive systemic change across education, skills development, employment pathways, and entrepreneurship.

Upcoming Task Force Events

The B20 South Africa Trade & Investment Task Force will be present at the following events:

Final Task Force Recommendations

The Final Paper highlights restoring stability in multilateral trade, advancing Africa’s competitiveness through AfCFTA integration, and embedding climate responsiveness in trade rules. Together, these measures aim to create a more balanced, inclusive global trading system.

Knowledge Partner

Network Partners