ICC commits to Africa trade growth at B20 Summit 

Anchored by the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship and its partners, the initiative will translate the recommendations of the B20 Special Report on Inclusive Trade and the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into measurable opportunity.  

“Every MSME that crosses a border strengthens Africa’s resilience, creates jobs and expands the circle of opportunity – that is how trade leads to growth and shared prosperity,” said John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General. 

TradeRoots Africa will strengthen the ability of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in regional and global value chains through three phases of support: 

1. Export Readiness – understanding how to export and use AfCFTA opportunities. 
2. Export Specialisation – adapting products and business models for new markets. 
3. Export Acceleration – connecting MSMEs with partners, networks and finance. 

By targeting key sectors and trade corridors, TradeRoots Africa will help entrepreneurs and innovators build resilient supply chains and unlock opportunity. 

The initiative stands as a lasting bridge between Africa’s priorities and the world’s shared prosperity – demonstrating that when trade works, growth and opportunity follow. 

Connecting local actors to champion global solutions 

On the sidelines of the B20 Summit, ICC convened its network of G20 national committees and affiliated chambers, together with observer countries, for a closed-door session hosted by ICC South Africa and the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

The group explored how ICC, as the representative voice of over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries, can continue to champion the voice of the real economy across global governance forums – from the G20 to the G7, BRICS+ and APEC. 

 Long standing support for B20 

In its role as Network Partner to the B20 Secretariat, ICC worked closely throughout the year with Cas Coovadia, South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, and Anthony Costa, Head of the B20 Secretariat, to ensure that the global voice of business was fully reflected in recommendations to G20 Leaders. 

As the first African nation to preside over the G20 and B20, South Africa’s leadership has marked a historic milestone in global economic governance – setting a precedent for inclusion, cooperation and innovation led from the Global South. 

Continuing its long-standing support for the B20 process, ICC mobilised its worldwide network to back South Africa’s Presidency throughout 2025. Members from every region contributed to all eight B20 Task Forces, bringing practical business expertise to the policy recommendations ultimately delivered to the G20. 

ICC leaders played a central role in shaping the outcomes: 

• John W.H. Denton AO, ICC Secretary General, Co-Chair of the Finance and Infrastructure Task Force. 

• Lord Karan Bilimoria, Chair of ICC United Kingdom, Co-Chair of the Digital Transformation Task Force. 

• Shinta Kamdani, ICC Global First Vice Chair, Co-Chair of the Industrial Transformation and Innovation Task Force. 

In addition, ICC served as Network Partner to the B20 Trade and Investment Task Force, supporting the B20 Special Report on Inclusive Trade, produced with Knowledge Partner BCG South Africa and Sponsor Absa. 

Anthony Costa, Head of the B20 South Africa Secretariat, reflected: “The enduring collaborative partnership between B20 South Africa and the International Chamber of Commerce powerfully amplified the voice of the global business community on the world stage. This strategic alliance ensured that policy recommendations were not only forged with broad-based legitimacy but were also actionable, driving tangible impact on international economic governance.”  

Continuing the momentum 

As South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency concludes, ICC will carry its legacy forward – through TradeRoots Africa and through continued work on trade facilitation, digitalisation, and dispute resolution across Africa. 

“When we talk about a ‘more inclusive global trading system,’ we’re not just talking about adjusting the global rules – we’re talking about expanding who gets to participate. And Africa is ready,” said Busi Mabuza, Chair of the B20 South Africa Trade and Investment Task Force.