South Africa’s presidency of the G20 summit faces a significant challenge as U.S. President Donald Trump’s absence dominates discussions, potentially undermining the event’s focus on developmental issues and highlighting deepening diplomatic rifts.
South Africa, as the first African nation to host the G20, aimed to spotlight pressing concerns for developing countries, such as reducing borrowing costs and securing climate financing. The summit, held in Johannesburg, represents a milestone for the continent’s role in global governance, with themes including increased participation of African nations and fair value from critical minerals. This historic moment was intended to bridge gaps between the global north and south, advocating for equity and sustainability in international forums.
Trump’s decision to boycott the gathering stems from his repeated claims about the persecution of South Africa’s white minority, allegations that have been widely discredited. His no-show was announced two weeks prior, with the U.S. initially planning to send Vice-President JD Vance before canceling all representation, citing these unfounded assertions. This move has drawn criticism and shifted attention away from South Africa’s agenda, raising questions about the summit’s effectiveness.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated over the past year, including the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador from Washington, cuts in U.S. aid, and the imposition of high tariffs. These actions have strained relations, with South Africa firmly denying the genocide claims and maintaining a defiant but diplomatic tone throughout the summit preparations. Officials in Pretoria have emphasized that the event will proceed regardless, underscoring their commitment to multilateral cooperation.
In a last-minute shift, the U.S. agreed to send a small team of diplomats for the handover ceremony but will not participate in substantive discussions. South African officials, including Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, have asserted their right to attend as G20 members, stating that the only way to exclude them would be through visa denials when the U.S. assumes the presidency next year. This stance highlights concerns over potential future diplomatic isolation.
Other world leaders are also absent, such as China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, who are sending senior representatives instead. Argentina’s Javier Milei is skipping in solidarity with Trump, but unlike the U.S., these countries are engaging through their delegations, which South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola downplayed as normal in international diplomacy. He stressed that the focus remains on achieving consensus among present nations.
Experts like Professor Richard Calland suggest that Trump’s absence might ironically foster more consensus, as it removes his disruptive influence and allows middle powers to push for reforms. Lamola echoed this, emphasizing that countries present must forge ahead with a leaders’ declaration on issues like trade barriers and climate change, regardless of U.S. non-participation. This declaration would outline agreed actions on global economic challenges, reinforcing the G20’s role.
The broader implications touch on the effectiveness of multilateralism in a divided world. South Africa’s efforts to bridge the global north-south divide include promoting equity and sustainability, with support from allies like the EU, which recently signed a deal to boost domestic processing of critical minerals in Africa. As the summit concludes, the outcome will test whether international cooperation can thrive without U.S. involvement, with potential repercussions for future G20 meetings and global diplomacy.
