South Africa Hosts Historic First African G20 Leaders’ Summit Amid US Boycott

World leaders have arrived in Johannesburg for the historic first-ever G20 summit on African soil, with South Africa seeking to elevate Africa’s priorities on the global agenda, according to ABC News. 

The summit convenes key participants from 18 major economies, excluding the United States, which is boycotting the talks over a diplomatic dispute related to internal policies in South Africa, the BBC reported.​

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency in December 2024, committing to promote economic inclusivity, disaster resilience, debt sustainability for poorer nations, and foster global solidarity, government statements confirmed. 

The summit’s central themes, highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, include tackling climate change impacts on developing countries, restructuring global financial systems, and advancing critical minerals agreements for sustainable growth, Reuters reported.​

The week saw tensions escalate between the White House and Pretoria, with President Donald Trump criticizing South Africa’s hosting and instructing US representatives not to participate, ABC News stated. South African officials countered that they “would not be bullied,” expressing intent for the summit to proceed and produce a leaders’ declaration regardless of the US absence.​

According to France 24, the EU unveiled a fresh partnership on critical minerals with South Africa, while the United Kingdom announced new commercial rail agreements. Regional bodies such as the African Union have engaged in pre-summit consultations, aiming for outcomes aligning with the AU Agenda 2063, as noted by the Crisis Group.​

Inside South Africa, the summit is drawing civic demonstrations over justice issues, including femicide, immigration, and unemployment—challenges activists and indigenous leaders claim remain under-addressed by authorities, Sky News reported. Preparations and road closures have proceeded “incident-free,” according to cabinet statements.​

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa's right to host and set the summit’s agenda, asserting determined independence from external pressure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the summit as a "chance to double down on partnership" between Europe and Africa, while the UK government emphasized the importance of international commercial cooperation.​

Expert observers note that the US boycott is granting China and the EU greater influence in shaping summit outcomes, as noted by Al Jazeera and the BBC. Civic groups across South Africa have organized protests to demand attention to longstanding social concerns, ranging from indigenous land rights to employment and gender violence, reflecting intense public scrutiny.​

Regional institutions such as the African Union have publicly supported South Africa’s leadership and agenda, citing alignment with the continent’s long-term development plans and governance reforms.​

This summit marks the first occasion the G20 convenes in Africa, symbolizing growing recognition of the continent’s socio-economic challenges and opportunities on the world stage. South Africa’s priorities—economic equity, resilience, and sustainable development—carry direct relevance for broader African ambitions, including tourism, innovation, and infrastructure investment.​

The absence of the US, however, risks limiting the reach of summit decisions, underscoring persistent fractures in global governance and geoeconomic competition, a trend with wide implications for pan-African integration and external partnerships.​

What’s Next

South Africa’s G20 presidency concludes on November 30, 2025, with the US scheduled to assume leadership in 2026. Official negotiations are underway on a final leaders' declaration, with in-person talks expected to wrap before the summit closes on November 23, government sources said. 

The region and international community now await further announcements on summit agreements, multi-lateral partnerships, and next steps for implementing African priorities at the G20 level.​