From Local Impact to Global Influence: Raymond Matlala Takes Black Umbrellas’ Mission to the Y20 Stage

In a powerful convergence of vision, leadership, and youth-driven innovation, Raymond Matlala, Project Manager at Black Umbrellas and Chair of Y20 South Africa, is helping shape a momentous chapter in global policy. With the G20 Summit being hosted on African soil for the first time in history, South Africa — and by extension Africa — takes centre stage in global decision-making. And Raymond is ensuring that youth voices and African priorities are right there with it.

The Youth 20 (Y20) is the official youth engagement group of the G20, providing a platform for young people across the globe to influence world leaders on issues like education, employment, climate, and innovation. Founded in 2010, it has long served as a space for dialogue. But under Raymond’s leadership, the 2025 Y20 South Africa Presidency is setting a bold new tone: it’s not just about being heard — it’s about creating real change.

“This is not just South Africa’s G20 — it is Africa’s G20,” says Raymond.
“We’re introducing the Y20 Council to ensure that youth policy recommendations don’t just get written — they get implemented, tracked, and amplified.”

It’s a structural shift with powerful intent: take the summit beyond conversation and into action.

Raymond’s leadership role is deeply strategic — coordinating policy alignment, managing national consultations, and driving the process that will culminate in a youth-authored communiqué to the G20.

Recently, Raymond co-hosted a Y20 workshop at the BRICS Youth Innovation Summit in Cape Town. The workshop served as a wake-up call and a call to action: too few young Africans know they can influence global policy. This session introduced participants to the G20 and Y20 processes, engaged them in critical policy tracks, and — most importantly — reminded them that their ideas are not just valid, but vital.

“Whether it’s around tech, business, or climate justice — young people’s solutions are needed at the decision-making table,” he says.

The 2025 Y20 Summit is built around five thematic tracks that directly reflect Africa’s current priorities and future ambitions:

1. Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability
2. Inclusive Economic Growth & Employment
3. AI, Digital Innovation, Education & the Future of Work
4. Meaningful Youth Engagement & Multilateral Reform
5. Inclusive Social Development & Fighting Inequality

Each theme is about more than policy — it’s about equity, representation, and building a sustainable future for the continent’s youth.

“Across Limpopo, Lagos, and Lusaka, young people are calling for the same things: inclusion, accountability, and opportunity,” Raymond shares.

At its heart, Black Umbrellas exists to build economic opportunities for black entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in early-stage and township economies. The mission? Break barriers, unlock markets, and empower ownership.

Raymond believes the Y20’s agenda — especially its track on inclusive economic growth — perfectly mirrors that mission.

“We’re advocating for policies that remove red tape, ensure access to funding, and prioritize youth and black-owned enterprises in supply chains and procurement policies.”

By linking Black Umbrellas’ grassroots impact with Y20’s global advocacy, Raymond is helping create an ecosystem where young, black entrepreneurs are not only uplifted — but heard, included, and celebrated.

Raymond is clear: the Y20 isn’t just for policymakers — it’s for entrepreneurs too.

Entrepreneurs supported by Black Umbrellas can:

• Contribute to policy consultations
• Showcase innovations at youth forums
• Collaborate on enterprise development strategies
• Engage in procurement reform initiatives post-summit

It’s a unique opportunity to move from the margins of economic discussion to the forefront of policy influence.

As the world watches South Africa lead the G20 for the first time, Raymond has his eyes firmly on legacy and action:

“We don’t want another summit that ends in applause and gets forgotten. We’re building systems of follow-through, memory, and accountability.”

And to young South Africans and Black Umbrellas entrepreneurs, his message is clear:

“Get informed. Get involved. Get connected. We’re no longer the leaders of tomorrow — we are the co-leaders of today.”

As Black Umbrellas continues to empower black-owned businesses to scale and thrive, Raymond’s journey shows us that our impact is not confined by borders. From local incubators to global summits, we are part of a movement to create inclusive economies and equitable futures — from Africa to the world.

Let’s keep building. Let’s keep leading.