THE AFRICAN CARAVAN/MOVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE

In a powerful demonstration of pan-African solidarity and vision, the “100 Days to G20: African Caravan” was officially launched today, marking the beginning of a journey from the African Union headquarters to Johannesburg, South Africa. This unprecedented overland initiative seeks to amplify the voices of African citizens, civil society, and youth ahead of the G20 Summit, which will be hosted in Johannesburg in November.

The caravan was flagged off by dignitaries from the African Union Commission, civil society leaders, youth activists, and artists, with a vibrant display of music, traditional dance, and speeches emphasizing African unity, inclusion, and agency in global governance.

A Journey of Purpose and Mobilization

The African Caravan will pass through African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana before arriving in South Africa. At each stop, local communities will host town halls, forums, and cultural events focused on themes such as economic justice, climate resilience, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and Africa’s role in reshaping global multilateral systems.

“The G20 cannot be truly global without African leadership and representation,” said Angelo Doyle, iPlant. “This journey is not only symbolic, it’s a mass mobilization of voices across the continent demanding that Africa not just be at the table, but help set the table.”

Spotlight on Africa’s G20 Presidency

For the first time in history, an African country South Africa will host the G20 Summit, scheduled for November 22 to 24, 2025. Civil society networks across the continent have hailed this as a turning point for African diplomacy and global influence, particularly as the continent grapples with climate shocks, debt burdens, and digital transformation.

The Caravan initiative, led by a coalition of African NGOs, grassroots movements, and youth networks, aims to deliver a “People’s Communiqué” to G20 leaders at the summit. This communiqué will synthesize the demands and aspirations gathered during the journey, ensuring grassroots input is included in the policy discourse.

Unity, Culture, and Activism on the Road

The convoy consists of buses, trucks, and support vehicles, all adorned with the flags and colors of the participating countries. Artists, journalists, activists, and scholars are traveling together, creating a mobile platform for storytelling, documentation, and exchange.

The Caravan is expected to reach Johannesburg by November 15, with a week of culminating events planned in the lead-up to the G20 Summit.

Follow the Journey:

Live updates, stories, and videos from the Caravan will be posted at www.marchforourplanet.org and on social media under the hashtag #AfricaToG20mfop.