Dismissing Trump's Absence: South Africa's G20 Ambition Unfolds

Sat Nov 22 2025 21:23:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As South Africa hosts the G20 summit, the absence of U.S. President Trump raises questions about international collaboration. South African officials focus on developmental concerns amidst a politically charged atmosphere.

South Africa's G20 presidency faces a significant test with the absence of Donald Trump, who has publicly questioned the country's political climate. Despite challenges, South African officials are rallying support to advance crucial discussions on development, climate financing, and international collaboration, aiming for a successful summit despite the tensions with the U.S.

When it assumed the presidency of the G20 last year, South Africa hoped that as the first African country to host the gathering of world leaders, it could champion issues that mattered the most to developing nations.

For instance, it wanted the 20 heads of state from the world's biggest economies to consider arguments that borrowing should be cheaper for developing countries, which pay two to four times more in interest on debts than advanced economies.

Other themes of this weekend's summit include securing climate change financing, increasing the participation of African countries in multilateral forums, and ensuring they receive the best value from their critical minerals.

However, the discourse surrounding the meeting has been dominated by Donald Trump's decision to not attend.

The U.S. president cited a discredited claim regarding violence against South Africa's white minority as his reason for skipping the summit. Relations have been tense, with the U.S. expelling the South African ambassador and imposing significant tariffs.

Initially, Trump indicated he would send Vice-President JD Vance, but he later decided no U.S. representatives would attend. South Africa has maintained a diplomatic tone, firmly denying the accusation of a white genocide, asserting that the summit will proceed regardless of U.S. participation.

Just before the summit, the U.S. announced it would send a small diplomatic team for the ceremonial aspects but would not engage in discussions.

Concerns linger over South African diplomats facing exclusion when the U.S. assumes the G20 presidency next year. South Africa’s Finance Minister emphasized the country's membership rights within the G20, indicating that attendance is not dependent on U.S. invitation.

As experts reflect on the summit's success without the United States, some believe Trump's absence might foster a more genuine dialogue among leaders, allowing middle powers to advocate reforms without the overshadowing influence of U.S. policies.

With other major leaders like China's Premier Li Qiang and Mexico's President absent yet sending delegations, South Africa aims to push for equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity amidst global challenges.

As the G20 presidency closes, South Africa's ability to issue a joint declaration could illustrate the capacity for consensus regardless of the absence of a major player like the U.S.