Johannesburg, South Africa — Despite the boycott by the United States, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country’s full commitment to participating in G20 activities, which are set to be hosted by the U.S. next year.
South Africa, which held the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, successfully hosted the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in late November 2025, marking the first time the summit was held on African soil. The event was a significant milestone for the continent as it demonstrated Africa’s growing role in global governance.
The U.S. boycott was initiated by former President Donald Trump, who cited concerns over South Africa’s land reform policies and the alleged persecution of white farmers as reasons for the boycott. Trump also announced that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami.
Despite the absence of leaders from the U.S., China, Russia, and Argentina, Ramaphosa was able to secure consensus from the attending leaders on key global priorities. This included climate change, renewable energy expansion, and addressing the debt burdens faced by poorer nations. A 122-point declaration was adopted, focusing on advancing global equity, multilateral reform, and sustainable development, and urging more global action on issues affecting poor countries, such as climate-related disasters and sovereign debt levels.
The declaration underscored South Africa’s presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” emphasizing partnerships across all sectors to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). South Africa aimed to elevate strengthening disaster resilience and response, which is crucial for the continent’s development and stability.
According to reports from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the summit provided an opportunity for African countries to showcase their commitment to global issues and to build alliances for mutual development and prosperity.
South Africa’s presidency of the G20 was marked by a focus on creating a more inclusive and sustainable global economy. The country’s efforts to promote global equity and multilateral reform were lauded by experts and stakeholders alike.
As the G20 Presidency comes to an end, Ramaphosa’s reaffirmation of South Africa’s commitment to the G20, despite the boycott, sends a strong message of the country’s dedication to international cooperation and its role in shaping global economic policies.
Source: Africa
