United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not attend the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa later this month.
In a conference in Miami on Wednesday, Trump criticised South Africa’s current political and economic direction, asserting that the country “shouldn’t be in the G’s anymore.” His remarks referenced South Africa’s position in the influential group of the world’s major economies, which includes emerging economic powers like Brazil, India, and China.
“I don’t think South Africa represents the economic weight or strategic leadership it once did,” Trump said. “There are serious issues going on down there, and I don’t believe it fits where the G20 is supposed to be right now.
The remarks come despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the White House, which was widely understood as an effort to strengthen U.S.-South Africa relations and reaffirm diplomatic and trade ties.
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South Africa, which has been a member of the G20 since its inception in 1999, is the only African country represented in the forum. The nation has historically used the platform to advocate for African development, global equity, and fairer trade systems between developed and developing economies.
Trump’s comments are likely to spark diplomatic reactions across global and African policy circles. Analysts note that the U.S. decision to skip the summit could signal a shift in Washington’s engagement with African partners—or reflect broader geopolitical tensions.
South African officials have not yet issued a formal response.
What this means for the summit
The 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg is expected to focus on:
- Global economic recovery
- Africa’s role in renewable energy transition
- Reform of international financial institutions
- Growing Global South influence in world governance structures
Even without Trump in attendance, the United States is still expected to send a diplomatic delegation.
