The launch of the South Africa Business Initiative for Impact (SABII) on Monday, 17 November 2025 at the Johanessburg Stock Exchange (JSE) marked a defining moment in South Africa’s development and business fratenities’ commitment to inclusive, sustainable development. Hosted as an official B20 South Africa side event, the gathering brought together influential leaders from the United Nations, business, and government signalling a unified approach to addressing South Africa’s most pressing developmental challenges.
Held just one day before the B20 Summit, the event positioned South Africa at the heart of global discussions on economic transformation and impact-driven partnerships. SABII was introduced as the first national platform of the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), a global programme designed to elevate Africa’s economic profile and strengthen its integration into international markets. The new South African platform will serve as a long-term mechanism to mobilise coordinated action in four priority areas: Energy Transition, Digitisation, Human Capital Development, and Food Systems Transformation.
The event opened with remarks from the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Nelson Muffuh, who emphasised that the scale of South Africa’s challenges demands collaboration across all sectors. “Energy transition requires joint investment. Digitisation requires shared innovation. Human capital requires collective responsibility. Food systems demand cooperation across entire value chains,” he said. His message underscored the purpose of SABII as a permanent structure that connects government, business, and the UN to drive measurable change.
Naspers and Prosus South Africa CEO and Executive Director, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, delivered a strong call for enduring commitment from all stakeholders. As a founding partner of SABII, she noted that the platform must be more than an event-driven initiative. “If we remain committed and united, this platform will outlast the summit and become part of South Africa’s long-term institutional strength,” she said. Her remarks highlighted the private sector’s readiness to work with national stakeholders to enable impact at scale.
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, Sanda Ojiambo, attended the launch and echoed the importance of supporting local enterprises. She affirmed that SABII would play a pivotal role in enabling South African businesses. particularly small and medium-sized enterprises to grow sustainably and integrate into regional and global value chains.
The event also featured participation from B20 Sherpa Cas Coovadia, reinforcing SABII’s role as the national channel through which South Africa will convert B20 recommendations into actionable partnerships. His presence underscored the timing and strategic significance of the launch.
Throughout the programme, speakers emphasised SABII’s intention to go beyond dialogue and focus on coordinated implementation. From accelerating renewable energy adoption to promoting digital livelihoods, to strengthening youth skills and expanding climate-smart agriculture, the initiative promises to foster systemic interventions backed by measurable results.
The launch concluded with a commitment from all partners to collaborate, innovate, and maintain accountability as South Africa enters a new chapter of development leadership. SABII’s establishment marks a significant milestone, positioning the country not only as a participant in global economic dialogue but as an emerging leader shaping Africa’s development future.
