Ramokgopa Urges G20 to Tackle Inequality, Illicit Flows & Finance Reform Boldly

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, has issued a clarion call for the G20 to embrace courageous leadership and collective accountability in resolving the globe’s most urgent development challenges. Speaking at the Fourth G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting held at Skukuza Lodge in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park, Ramokgopa spotlighted the need for inclusive growth, social equity, and a radical overhaul of global financial systems.

A Defining Week for Global Development

In her address, Minister Ramokgopa reflected on the significance of the week-long meeting, hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, as a moment of reckoning and opportunity.

“This week is crucial for the advancement of our shared commitment to confront global development challenges. We gather not just as Ministers and officials, but as stewards of a common ambition to build a world in which progress does not bypass the most vulnerable,” she said.

The DWG is one of the pivotal policy mechanisms within the G20 framework and serves to align international cooperation with the goals of sustainable and inclusive development. The Fourth Meeting of the DWG gathered member states, invited nations, and representatives from international organisations to set the tone for the Ministerial Declaration and shape strategic outcomes.

Tackling Illicit Financial Flows Head-On

A dominant theme of Ramokgopa’s address was the threat posed by illicit financial flows (IFFs), which she described as a persistent and dangerous drain on developing economies. IFFs—ranging from tax evasion to illegal trade transactions—are estimated to rob Africa of billions in public revenue each year, undermining economic progress and public trust.

“Illicit financial flows undermine public trust, drain essential resources, and destabilise economies,” she warned.

To counter this, Ramokgopa proposed a suite of reforms including:

• Automatic exchange of financial data across borders

• Beneficial ownership transparency to reveal true company owners

• Digital identity tracking to ensure financial accountability

She stressed that shining “light into the shadowy corners” of global finance is indispensable to fund sustainable development and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.

Reframing Social Protection as a Development Pillar

Ramokgopa also sought to shift global perspectives on social protection systems. Rejecting the view that they are acts of benevolence, she reframed them as strategic investments in human capital and economic resilience.

“Social protection should not be viewed as an act of charity but as a core pillar of sustainable development contributing to economic growth, societal cohesion, and gender equity,” she affirmed.

This sentiment aligns with the G20’s broader goals of achieving equitable development outcomes and addressing rising inequality, especially in a post-pandemic era.

From Declarations to Implementation

The DWG meetings were more than dialogue—they were the final negotiating table for shaping the Ministerial Declaration to be presented at the upcoming G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting. These declarations represent a unified stance on the key priorities of:

• Combating illicit financial flows

• Scaling up development finance aligned with the SDGs

• Promoting inclusive social protection systems

• Ensuring coherence in global financing architecture

Transitioning to the G20 USA Presidency

As the DWG meetings concluded, participants were introduced to the incoming G20 USA Presidency, marking a transition in leadership as South Africa’s term nears its end. The week’s sessions ended with a poignant tribute to the South African delegation, praised for their dedication and foresight in leading the group toward a strong and unified development agenda.

South Africa’s Vision: Bold, Inclusive, Just

Throughout its G20 Presidency, South Africa has positioned itself as a champion of inclusive dialogue, development justice, and financial reform—especially on behalf of the Global South. Ramokgopa’s call to action reaffirmed this commitment and signalled Pretoria’s intent to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

“We must be bold. We must be accountable. We must prioritise sustainable development that delivers for the many, not the few,” Ramokgopa concluded.

As global challenges intensify—from climate shocks to widening inequality—the outcomes of this DWG Meeting may set the stage for bolder reforms in G20 governance and international development.