Key Takeaways
- The first meeting of Sherpas of the Group of 20 (G20) under the United States’ presidency is set to take place in Washington without South Africa.
- South Africa has been excluded from participating in any G20 events in the US in 2026, including the Leaders’ Summit in Miami.
- The US has decided to forego the traditional troika format, which includes the former, present, and incoming hosts working together on the G20 agenda.
- South Africa has asked its G20 allies to clarify its exclusion and differentiate it from a deliberate exclusion by a G20 host.
- The UK is set to take over the presidency from the US in 2027.
Introduction to the G20 Meeting
The first meeting of Sherpas of the Group of 20 (G20) under the United States’ presidency is scheduled to take place in Washington on Monday, marking the beginning of a new era in global economic cooperation. However, this meeting will be notable for the absence of South Africa, which has been excluded from participating in any G20 events in the US in 2026. This decision has been communicated to South Africa through a diplomatic note sent by the US on December 4, 2023. The note informed South Africa that it is not welcome to participate in any G20 events in the US in 2026, including the Leaders’ Summit in Miami.
South Africa’s Exclusion from G20 Events
The exclusion of South Africa from G20 events in the US is a significant development, given the country’s active participation in the grouping in the past. In 2025, South Africa hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, which was attended by several world leaders. However, the US boycotted much of South Africa’s G20 program, including the Leaders’ Summit, citing concerns over the country’s relations with Russia and China. The US has now taken its boycott a step further by excluding South Africa from all G20 events in 2026, including meetings of Sherpas, working groups, and ministers. This decision has been met with concern from South Africa, which has asked its G20 allies to clarify its exclusion and differentiate it from a deliberate exclusion by a G20 host.
The Troika Format and Its Implications
The G20 troika format, which includes the former, present, and incoming hosts working together on the G20 agenda, is a traditional aspect of the grouping’s functioning. However, the US has decided to forego this format for its G20 presidency, which has significant implications for South Africa. The troika format allows for continuity and cooperation among the member countries, and its absence may create difficulties in implementing the G20 agenda. South Africa has expressed concern over the precedent that will be set by its exclusion from the G20 presidency of the United States in 2026, and has asked its allies to point out to the US that its chosen absence from 2026’s G20 must be differentiated from being deliberately excluded by a G20 host.
Implications for Global Cooperation
The exclusion of South Africa from G20 events in the US has significant implications for global cooperation and the functioning of the G20. The G20 is a premier forum for international economic cooperation, and the exclusion of a member country may create difficulties in achieving the grouping’s objectives. The US decision to exclude South Africa may also create tensions among other member countries, which may view the move as an attempt to undermine the grouping’s unity and cooperation. The UK, which is set to take over the presidency from the US in 2027, will need to navigate these challenges and work towards restoring the unity and cooperation that is essential for the G20’s success.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, the exclusion of South Africa from G20 events in the US is a significant development that has significant implications for global cooperation and the functioning of the G20. The US decision to forego the traditional troika format and exclude South Africa from all G20 events in 2026 may create difficulties in implementing the G20 agenda and undermine the grouping’s unity and cooperation. South Africa has asked its G20 allies to clarify its exclusion and differentiate it from a deliberate exclusion by a G20 host, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming months. The UK, which will take over the presidency from the US in 2027, will need to work towards restoring the unity and cooperation that is essential for the G20’s success.
