As Africa hosts the G20 and B20 Summits in November 2025, we have a rare opportunity to shape global conversations, not as passive recipients of policy, but as partners in solutions. From our webinar, which was attended by over 120 journalists, storytellers, and experts, one message stood out: How we frame Africa matters.
Here are three points to consider from yesterday on how journalists and storytellers can report on the G20/B20 in ways that center Africa’s agency, strengths, and priorities:
- Understand the G20 and why it matters
It’s crucial for African journalists to understand what the G20 does, how it works, and why it matters — because the decisions made there directly impact African economies, from debt and trade to food security and climate policy. With Africa now holding a seat at the G20 table and South Africa hosting the 2025 summit, journalists play a key role in ensuring the continent’s priorities are not only heard but acted upon. By translating complex global issues into relatable stories for local audiences, journalists can help position Africa as a global partner, not a passive observer.
- Framing the Story
Negative stereotypes and framing — from both local and international media —cost the continent over $4 billion annually in missed investments. We must consider the impact of how we frame our stories.
These are some questions to ask to help journalists and other storytellers tell accurate, truthful, and fair stories while framing them in a way that is constructive:
• Who is being centered in this story?
• Does this show African initiative, innovation, or solutions?
• How are African stakeholders shaping outcomes, not just reacting to them?
- Topics to Explore and Angles That Matter for Local Communities
Here are some topics to explore:
• Food Security & Agriculture
• Youth Employment & Skills
• Debt & Cost of Capital
• Critical Minerals & Industrialization
• Energy & Climate
For local angles, ask yourself:
• How does this global issue touch my audience’s everyday life?
• Who are the unsung actors — farmers, informal traders, community educators?
• What data or policy is shaping their future? Or how is the proposed G20policy shaping their future?
• Can I explain this in a way my grandmother, cousin, or neighbour would understand?
Example:
• Instead of: “G20 calls for investment in agri-tech”
Try: “Meet the rural co-op feeding 3,000 people with mobile-based irrigation— and why global rules matter to them.”
As storytellers, we don’t just report on power, we shape it. As our keynote speaker, Cas Coovadia said, in this G20 and others to come, let’s make sure Africa is not just heard, but heeded
Watch the webinar recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/qoOlDKZdW-o?si=fDrLL7tGqqrDNiul
