Turning G20 into a job-creation engine: Lessons from India's one million jobs project

As South Africa is gearing up to host the world’s leaders at the G20 Plenary Summit in November 2025, one question looms large – how can we leverage the world’s attention to boost job creation and grow the economy inclusively?

There are many lessons to be applied in leveraging the G20 presidency for job creation - in particular India’s 2023 hosting offers a compelling job creation blueprint for South Africa. By focusing on infrastructure, tourism, foreign investment, SME development, and workforce upskilling, India created over one million jobs before, during, and after the summit. South Africa can replicate and refine this model to leave a lasting economic impact.

Here's how South Africa can maximize the G20 opportunity for job creation.

1. Infrastructure Development: A Boom for Construction and Urban Jobs

Hosting the G20 required significant investments in infrastructure across major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Varanasi. The Indian government fast-tracked projects such as:

• Expansion and beautification of New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, the primary summit venue.
• Airport upgrades, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, to accommodate global leaders.
• Smart city enhancements, including better waste management, green spaces, and street lighting.

Job Creation Impact:

• Over 200 000 direct jobs were created in construction, engineering, and urban planning.
• Indirect employment opportunities emerged in cement, steel, logistics, and real estate.
• The hospitality sector also saw job growth, with hotels hiring additional staff for maintenance and event hosting.

Long-Term Impact:

Many of these infrastructure developments continue to benefit the economy, boosting real estate values and improving urban living standards.

South Africa’s Job Creation Opportunity

Hosting the G20 provides a strong business case for accelerating infrastructure projects that will create thousands of jobs in:

• Transport & logistics – Road and rail expansion to improve trade routes.
• Energy sector – Renewable energy projects to tackle power shortages.
• Smart cities – Upgrading urban centers with better roads, housing, and tech hubs.

By aligning G20 investments with South Africa’s infrastructure development plan, we can create sustainable jobs at scale and boost investor confidence.

2. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

India strategically positioned the G20 Summit as an opportunity to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and expand corporate presence in key industries. The government:

• Held high-level investment summits alongside G20 meetings.
• Showcased India's manufacturing, digital economy, and green energy sectors.
• Launched the Invest India G20 Initiative, promoting India as a prime investment hub.

Job Creation Impact

• India secured $100+ billion in investment pledges from global corporations.
• Expansion of foreign companies in India, particularly in EV manufacturing, fintech, and semiconductors, leading to 50 000+ high-skilled jobs.
• Indian startups gained visibility, attracting venture capital funding and supporting employment in the tech and digital sectors.

Long-Term Impact:

The influx of foreign investment strengthened India’s industrial base, creating sustainable employment in automobile manufacturing, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence (AI).

South Africa’s FDI Opportunity

The G20 is a powerful platform to attract investors in:

• Mining and Green Energy – A push for critical minerals like lithium and green hydrogen.
• Technology & AI – Positioning SA as a tech hub for Africa.
• Agriculture & Food Processing – Scaling up agribusiness to create jobs in rural areas.

Job Impact: If South Africa secures just $10 billion (R175bn) in new investments, it could create 50 000+ direct and indirect jobs across these sectors.

3. Empowering Local Businesses & SMEs

To ensure that small businesses benefited from G20 spending, the Indian government implemented a "Vocal for Local" procurement strategy. This included:

• Prioritising Indian manufacturers and suppliers for event-related procurement (furniture, decorations, and catering).
• Promoting regional cuisines and local textile industries during G20 events.
• Encouraging women-led and rural enterprises to provide handcrafted gifts for G20 delegates.

Job Creation Impact

• Over 150 000 MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) gained new contracts, securing jobs for artisans, weavers, and food producers.
• Gig workers and freelancers saw increased demand in areas like content creation, marketing, and logistics.
• The growth of digital payment systems enabled small businesses to scale up and expand post-G20.

Long-Term Impact: The G20 reinforced India's Make in India initiative, positioning local businesses for continued export growth and job sustainability.

South Africa’s SME Opportunity

The G20 should be structured to benefit township businesses, informal traders, and local SMEs through:

• Local supplier contracts for catering, event planning, security, and transport.
• Promoting African-made products to delegates and investors.
• Digital platforms to connect global buyers with South African SMEs.

Job Impact: If even 20% of G20 spending goes to SMEs, this could create tens of thousands of jobs in the informal and small business sector.

Final Thoughts: The G20 as a Job Creation Catalyst for South Africa

India's G20 presidency was not just a diplomatic success - it was an economic and employment driver. By focusing on infrastructure, tourism, investment, small businesses, and workforce upskilling, India created over one million jobs during and after the summit.

With high unemployment and global economic shifts, South Africa must think big and act strategically. The G20 presidency is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create jobs, attract investment, and position South Africa as a leader in Africa’s economic future.

Dr Nik Eberl is the Founder & Executive Chair: The Future of Jobs Summit™ (Official T20 Side Event) and author of Nation of Champions: How South Africa won the World Cup of Destination Branding

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