The Immigration-20 (I-20) Summit
The Immigration-20 (I-20) Summit is a flagship initiative of the Alkebulan Immigrants Impact Awards (AIIA), created to position immigration as a catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion, and sustainable development within the G20 framework. Scheduled for 9–10 October 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the summit coincides with South Africa’s G20 presidency and seeks to amplify the voices of immigrants and refugees in global policy dialogues.
Organized with the participation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and with expressions of interest from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN Women, the summit will convene global leaders, policymakers, civil society, and business communities to share best practices in migration governance and foster inclusive policies that harness the potential of migrants worldwide.
Background
Launched on 4 August 2023, the AIIA is dedicated to celebrating and elevating the contributions of immigrants and refugees to South Africa’s cultural, social, and economic development. Guided by the ethos of unity in diversity as enshrined in the South African Constitution, AIIA actively counters negative narratives around immigration through initiatives such as the Annual Awards, the Global Heritage Festival, podcasts, and public dialogues.
The I-20 Summit builds on this mission, recognizing that over 281 million migrants globally contribute significantly to innovation, job creation, and GDP growth—accounting for up to 5% of GDP per capita in G20 economies, including South Africa. Yet, migrants often face xenophobia, restrictive policies, and barriers to services, with women and youth disproportionately affected.
By aligning with G20 priorities on reducing inequalities and advancing sustainable development, the summit reinforces the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, positioning migration as a lever for prosperity and resilience.
Objectives
The summit’s objectives are to:
- Promote Economic Inclusion: Formalize immigrant-owned businesses and integrate them into host economies by leveraging G20 best practices.
- Strengthen Social Cohesion: Counter xenophobia and foster positive narratives through education, cultural exchange, and awareness campaigns.
- Enhance Food Security: Recognize migrant labour’s contribution to agriculture while promoting sustainable, innovative solutions.
- Empower Entrepreneurs and Women: Support intra-African trade and advance gender-responsive policies that expand financial access and protect rights.
- Influence Policy: Deliver a Policy White Paper to the G20 C20 Task Force, providing actionable recommendations on global migration governance.
Key Themes and Programme
The programme will spotlight strategies for reducing inequalities, building social cohesion, and fostering resilient, sustainable systems. It will include:
- Keynote addresses by global and continental leaders
- Expert presentations on migration, social cohesion, and economic integration
- Panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions
- Storytelling sessions highlighting the lived experiences and contributions of immigrants and refugees
Participants will include diaspora groups, chambers of commerce and industries policymakers from migrant-sending and -receiving nations, AU and G20 representatives, international organizations (IOM, UN Women, UNHCR, FAO, ILO, ISS), diplomats, business leaders, civil society actors, and academia.
Expected Outcomes
The I-20 Summit will produce:
- A Policy White Paper on immigration and inclusive growth
- A Framework for Inclusive Policies to guide governments and institutions
- Practical recommendations for intra-African trade facilitation
- Actionable strategies for strengthening social cohesion
These outputs will advocate for pro-immigrant reforms while positioning Africa at the forefront of the global migration discourse.