South African small businesses are reporting tangible benefits after exhibiting at the 2025 G20 leaders’ summit, with some securing sales, leads, partnerships, and international recognition.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Clermont Nosisa Kakana, founder of Yoyisa NT (Pty) Ltd, which specialises in artworks, said exhibiting at the summit brought new opportunities.
“I made some sales and received orders to fulfil after the G20. There is also a potential partnership with another jewellery company, plus community projects for training across different provinces,” Kakana told Vutivi News.
She added that the summit significantly increased her company’s visibility. “My business was only known in Durban, but now I am known internationally. The recognition by the Minister of the Department of Small Businesses for my use of original beads has added even more value,” she said, noting that these new connections are opening doors to high-profile customers and collaborations.
In Bloemfontein Buttercup Farmhouse’s Production Manager, Puseletso Mangaliso, also reported positive outcomes.
“Exhibiting at the G20 opened new conversations with local and international buyers who showed interest in our vegetable coffee range. We secured several strong leads that we are nurturing into potential partnerships,” Mangaliso said.
The summit offered the business high-level visibility among policymakers, retailers, investors, and global delegates. “Our product stood out as an African-born innovation in the health-focused beverage space. The summit gave us media exposure and direct engagements we would not normally access,” Mangaliso explained.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the G20 Summit must deliver real opportunities for ordinary citizens, including small businesses.
“The greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa,” he said, noting that inclusive economic growth and a level playing field are central to the summit’s agenda.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted that initiatives such as the Compact with Africa are designed to deepen investment, create jobs, and build sustainable prosperity through partnerships with the private sector.
He further stressed that G20 platforms must benefit SMEs and start-ups by giving them access to finance, trade networks, and international markets.
According to Yoyisa NT and Buttercup Farmhouse, these endorsements are more than rhetoric.
“Now I am known internationally,” Kakana said, while Mangaliso added, “The G20 platform validated our work as an emerging agro-processing brand and positioned us for future export opportunities.”
The 2025 G20 Summit which was held in Johannesburg on the weekend of 22 November is proving to be a springboard for small and emerging businesses, giving them the exposure, credibility, and networks necessary to compete on a global scale.
