OCTOBER 2025
Report Summary
Key findings of desktop research
Consistent areas of focus
Several themes and focus areas have consistently appeared in successive B20 proposals. This reflects the long-term, complex and cross-cutting nature of the issues, which cannot be addressed in a single policy cycle. The persistence of these priorities signals the relevance of the forum rather than its redundancy, and highlights the need to track implementation and impact with rigour.
Tangible action does result from the process
While G20 declarations do not guarantee national implementation, many commitments linked to B20 proposals have moved from rhetoric to action.
Critical components of a successful B20 proposal:
Background
In line with its commitment to South Africa’s development and sustainable economic growth, Sanlam commissioned research to ensure B20 recommendations lead to realworld change.
The research analyses which B20 policy proposals over the past three years (2022–2024) were adopted into G20 recommendations, which were then implemented or led to policy or programme action by G20 governments and what distinguishes those that progressed from recommendation to action.
By studying this policy pipeline – from proposal to endorsement to implementation – the research will deliver insights into what makes B20 proposals more likely to be acted upon by G20 member states.
These findings will strengthen the ability of B20 taskforces to influence global policy, ensuring that the B20 process remains focused on delivering real-world outcomes for G20 markets.
Methodology
To answer our key question (“what are the characteristics of a B20 proposal that make it more likely to be adopted and then subsequently implemented?”) we embarked on a comprehensive research exercise, conducting a thorough desktop review of publicly available information from a range of sources
We further supplemented our desktop research with interviews with key stakeholders, including the South African B20 Secretariat and the 2025 B20 taskforce chairs.
1.
Direct alignment with G20 priorities
A B20 proposal gains significant traction when it clearly aligns with the overarching priorities of the G20 presidency and the collective agenda of member countries. This means framing recommendations to directly address G20 themes.
2.
Specific institutional or financial mechanisms
— Robust proposals provide concrete institutional or financial mechanisms, not just general policy aspirations. This means detailing how recommendations will be implemented or financed
3.
Measurable targets or KPIs
Successful B20 proposals incorporate measurable targets or key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and impact.
— This transparency on how success will be measured incentivises accountability and sustained commitment from governments and stakeholders.
4.
Continuity via legacy structures
Proposals linked with or building on sustainable legacy structures, such as ongoing platforms, secretariats, working groups or permanent engagement forums, have stronger potential for continuation beyond a single G20 presidency.
— Legacy initiatives institutionalise B20 recommendations, ensuring ongoing implementation and evolution.
5.
Stakeholder engagement
Broad-based engagement of diverse stakeholders is critical. Successful proposals emerge from wide-ranging consultations that include governments, business leaders (large and MSMEs), civil society and multilateral partners.
6.
Focus on global public good
— Proposals framed as contributing to the global public good, such as sustainable development, climate stability, digital trust, health security and equitable economic participation, gain normative strength and more political support.
Key findings from stakeholder engagement
The research team tested its findings with B20 stakeholders who had taken part in previous B20 cycles. Stakeholders confirmed that the conclusions matched their own experience of what drives success. In addition, they raised further critical success factors for taking B20 proposals from idea to action.
Trust between business, government and stakeholders
Proposals fail without a foundation of trust, regardless of technical strength.
Trust gives business motives credibility and legitimacy.
— It is essential at every stage, enabling collaboration, ownership and delivery.
Competent, credible, committed taskforce chairs
— Chairs drive the process: motivating members, steering debates and building consensus.
Effective chairs combine expertise with listening, compromise and leadership.
Their commitment and skill often determine whether recommendations succeed.
Effective knowledge partners
They preserve continuity, prevent duplication and strengthen institutional memory.
Provide technical expertise and distil inputs into implementable recommendations.
— Strong stakeholder management builds legitimacy; weak management undermines trust.
Deliberate, practical advocacy
— Advocacy must be intentional, ongoing and directed at the right decision-makers.
Effective proposals assign responsibility and accountability from the outset.
Framing recommendations in terms of benefits to governments, citizens and business builds momentum.
Conclusion
As South Africa leads the 2025 B20 process, it has the chance to build on hard-won lessons and sharpen the influence of business in shaping global economic outcomes.
South Africa’s context provides a credible platform to elevate the voices of emerging and developing economies. By strengthening continuity across presidencies, embedding robust monitoring frameworks and broadening stakeholder participation, the 2025 presidency can set a new standard. Successful proposals will be those that are well-designed, politically attuned and built for execution – combining global ambition with regional insight and a clear path to lasting influence.