Startup20 Awards Gala Dinner

Startup20: The Global Entrepreneurship Forum for G20

Startup20 brings together Entrepreneurship ecosystem stakeholders from G20 countries, selected invited countries and international organisations to discuss better ways to support the start and scale of startups, micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).

Theme: “Empowering Startups and MSMEs: Championing Resilience, Innovation, and
Sustainable Growth”

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

Dates: 13–14 November 2025

The G20 is a leading global platform for economic cooperation, bringing together 19 countries, the African Union, and the European Union. In 2025, South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, marking a pivotal moment for the continent to shape global economic and development priorities. Startup20, an official G20 Engagement Group, was first launched under India’s presidency in 2023 and continues under South Africa’s leadership. It serves as a global forum for start-ups and MSME ecosystem stakeholders to engage directly with G20 leaders raising key challenges, opportunities, and macroeconomic concerns faced by entrepreneurs.

Startup20 South Africa will operate through dedicated Task Forces, each focused on priority areas that drive innovation, policy support, and global start-up collaboration. The group will develop recommendations through a consensus driven approach, with outcomes presented to the G20 Presidency for consideration at the G20 Summit 2025. This initiative reflects South Africa’s commitment to empowering start-ups and MSMEs as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and its role in advancing global economic cooperation through innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.