The G20 Digital Economy Ministers met in Cape Town on September 29, 2025, the first time this ministerial meeting was held in Africa. The parallel AI Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development issued a Chair’s Statement on September 30, 2025, following three rounds of meetings under South Africa’s presidency.
The Task Force recognised the importance of meaningful participation by all nations in shaping AI governance, with emphasis on capacity building for developing countries. Key themes included digital public infrastructure, trust in data sharing, interoperability, and the need to mitigate AI risks while optimising benefits. The Education Working Group identified three priorities: quality foundational learning, mutual recognition of qualifications, and education professional development for a changing world.
The G20 presidency transitioned to the United States in December 2025 for 2026, with South Africa remaining on the Troika until December 2026.
Who it affects: G20 member states and associated developing country partners. The Chair’s Statement and ministerial discussions set the policy agenda that incoming presidencies may continue or redirect.
What is notably missing: The Chair’s Statement is non-binding. No specific AI literacy commitments, funding mechanisms, or implementation timelines emerged from the Cape Town meeting. The transition to the US presidency in 2026 may shift priorities away from the Global South capacity-building emphasis of South Africa’s presidency. The Education Working Group priorities do not explicitly reference AI literacy.