The Group of Twenty (G20) is the major forum for global economic cooperation, bringing together the world’s largest economies to discuss and address key economic, social, and environmental challenges. Membership includes 19 countries plus the European Union and the African Union, representing around 85% of global GDP. The only African member nation is South Africa.
There have been twenty Global 20 (G20) summits since the initial one in 2008 held in Washington DC. On November 23, 2025, the most recent G20 and first ever held on African soil, concluded in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This year the United States was absent from the negotiations and compromise taking place in the “Rainbow” country, deciding to boycott the international gathering at the very last moment. This is the second worldwide meeting that USA government officials have been no-shows at this month. From November 10th to 21st in Belem, Brazil the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) took place. The United States chose not to have a seat at the table.
This is now regular behavior for U.S, representatives. Since returning to power the Trump administration has also withdrawn from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This retrenchment from global engagement with the world has worried world leaders and impacted on the quality of life of people around the world. “We should not allow anything to diminish the value, the stature and the impact of the first African G20 presidency,” said summit host South African President Cyril Ramaphrosa.
“This year, we have recognized the growing debt burden faced by many developing economies as a major obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The G20 has pledged to extend support to low- and middle-income countries as they confront debt vulnerabilities.
Together, we must create a virtuous cycle of reduced debt, higher public investment, and more rapid and inclusive economic growth…This summit has taken place at a crucial moment, as calls around the world grow louder for progress on the imperatives of our time: to end poverty in all its forms, to reduce inequality within and among countries, and to take urgent action to combat climate change,” said the South African President during his closing speech.
Additionally, the summit highlighted significant new initiatives aimed at fostering responsible AI growth, particularly in Africa. Leaders noted UNESCO’s creation of the Technology Policy Assistance Facility (TPAF) under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, intended to help countries develop effective AI policies informed by global expertise. In a notable step for the continent, the G20 welcomed the launch of the AI for Africa Initiative, a voluntary platform for collaboration between the G20 and the African Union.
Conducting business without the United States the summit ended with a 122-point consensus agreement that stressed the seriousness of climate change and the need for adaptation, praised ambitious renewable energy targets and decried hefty debt service charges suffered by poor countries.
Diplomatically the United States, under Trump, is at odds with South Africa on three major issues. The first is that South Africa is a member of BRICS. This allows South Africa to have more economic options. Second, South Africa has taken Israel to the World Court charging genocide against the Palestinians. Remembering their own recent history of apartheid South Africa stands by the charge against the Zionist state. Third, Trump accuses South Africa of committing genocide against white South Africans.
Most of the world, including white South Africans, deny that whites are being persecuted. Although boycotting the Trump administration nonetheless created drama at the end of the summit. The U.S. is scheduled to take over the rotating G20 presidency after Johannesburg. The White House has accused Ramaphosa of refusing to facilitate a smooth transition of the G20 presidency.
Demanding respect South Africa rejected a U.S. proposal to send an embassy official for the handover in Trump’s place as a breach of protocol. “We have not yet received any formal communication at this stage,” said South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. The USA boycotted this year. Who will show up in Miami next year when the USA is host?
