World leaders from the globe’s major economies will gather in Johannesburg on November 22 and 23 for a historic G20 summit — the first to be held on African soil. The high-stakes meeting comes amid global instability and a growing rift between Pretoria and Washington.
Historic First for Africa
The G20, established in 1999, brings together 19 countries and two regional blocs — the European Union and the African Union. South Africa, the only African member state, holds the rotating presidency this year, making the upcoming summit the first-ever hosted on the continent.
The bloc accounts for 85% of global GDP and roughly two-thirds of the world’s population. The AU, admitted in 2023, joins as a full member for only the second time.
South Africa’s Theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’
Pretoria has outlined key priorities for its presidency: strengthening global disaster resilience, pushing for debt sustainability for low-income nations, securing financing for a just energy transition, and leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth.
To tackle widening inequality — a major theme for the summit — South Africa commissioned a global wealth analysis led by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz. The team is proposing an intergovernmental panel to address what they call a worldwide “inequality emergency” affecting more than 2.3 billion hungry people.
US Boycott Overshadows Preparations
In a dramatic move, President Donald Trump announced that no US officials would participate, dismissing South Africa’s leadership as a “total disgrace.” Trump has repeatedly targeted Pretoria since returning to office, including imposing 30% tariffs — the highest US duties in sub-Saharan Africa — and making widely debunked claims about a so-called “white genocide.”
Pretoria says Washington’s absence is America’s “loss,” insisting the summit will proceed successfully. Other notable absences include Argentine President Javier Milei, who is sending his foreign minister, and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, continuing his pattern from recent G20 gatherings.
Johannesburg Under the World’s Gaze
The Nasrec Expo Centre, South Africa’s largest dedicated conference facility, will host the summit. Positioned near Soweto and symbolically chosen for its ties to post-apartheid spatial integration, the complex frequently hosts major political and cultural events.
The meeting has drawn attention to Johannesburg’s contrasting realities: Africa’s wealthiest square mile on one hand, and decaying infrastructure, water shortages, and municipal dysfunction on the other. Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s harsh criticism earlier this year, the African Development Bank approved a $139 million loan in July to support upgrades.
End of a Global South Streak
Once the summit wraps up, South Africa will hand over leadership of the G20 to the United States, closing a stretch of Global South presidencies after Brazil, India, and Indonesia.
Trump has hinted at plans to dramatically scale back the G20, questioning South Africa’s place in the group and the value of its growing focus on social and developmental issues.
As the world’s power brokers arrive in Johannesburg, the meeting will test both South Africa’s diplomatic influence and the future direction of one of the world’s most important multilateral forums.
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