South Africa to Withdraw from G20 in 2026
On Tuesday, South Africa confirmed its decision to withdraw from the Group of 20 Economic Forum in 2026. This comes as the United States will hold the rotating chair that year, during a time of tension between Johannesburg and President Donald Trump.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana made the announcement, stating that this move represents a “temporary setback” for the nation. He spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, just last week.
“Currently, South Africa is the founding member of the G20 from the African continent. The African Union (AU) was later admitted as a permanent member. We’ve aimed to amplify the voices of permanent members, notably with Nigeria and Egypt joining this status,” he remarked.
“We’re uncertain whether the US has hindered Nigeria and Egypt’s involvement. What we do know is that South Africa will take a break in 2026. We simply opted for a vacation,” he clarified.
He added, “This isn’t about the US being able to expel us from the G20, but they hold crucial accreditation powers. Without accreditation, access is denied—even if you’re nearby.”
Godongwana showed optimism that the African Union would represent South Africa’s interests at the G20 summit in 2026 and hoped for an invitation back when the UK assumes its presidency in 2027.
His comments seem to connect with earlier statements made by President Trump. In November, it was declared that South Africa would not be invited to the 2026 summit in Miami, Florida, despite having held the previous rotating presidency.
Trump asserted that the United States would skip the 2025 G20 summit in South Africa, citing the South African government’s failure to address serious human rights concerns for Afrikaners and other groups descended from European settlers.
He further noted that, at the conclusion of a prior G20, South Africa had refused to formally transfer the presidency to a senior US Embassy official present at the closing ceremony.
“As a result, on my directive, South Africa will not receive an invitation to the 2026 G20, which is set to take place next year in Miami,” Trump stated. He added that “South Africa has demonstrated it is unworthy of membership, and we are immediately halting all payments and subsidies to the country.”
