Ramaphosa secures Summit Declaration following US no-show

The first G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held on the African continent officially began on Saturday at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, with the United States marked absent. The Presidency confirmed that US President Donald Trump will not attend the summit, making South Africa the first African country to host the event without participation from Washington.

Reports indicate that President Trump allegedly attempted to persuade other country leaders not to attend the summit in South Africa. Despite this, representatives from G20 member states continued to arrive at the venue, with dignitaries attending bilateral meetings ahead of the formal opening sessions.

The summit moved swiftly to adopt its declaration, a development seen as a diplomatic success for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, confirmed the adoption of the G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 declaration.

“We were edging closer and closer to that unanimous adoption. Now we have a summit declaration adopted. There was a slight change in the program. Normally the adoption of the declaration happens right at the end,” he said.

Magwenya explained that during Friday’s bilateral discussions, leaders suggested moving the adoption of the declaration to the first order of the day. This adjustment allowed the summit to proceed with other planned sessions after the declaration was formally agreed upon.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola addressed the media, emphasizing that South Africa had not denied the United States the opportunity to participate in the summit. He reiterated that marking the US as absent was a procedural acknowledgment rather than a diplomatic exclusion.

The adoption of the summit declaration is seen as a milestone, reflecting the willingness of G20 member states to engage on key global economic issues. The declaration outlines commitments on international trade, economic stability, sustainable development, and energy security. Details of the commitments are expected to be publicly released after the conclusion of the summit.

Delegates expressed optimism that despite the absence of the United States, discussions at the summit would continue constructively. Leaders participated in various sessions addressing climate change, infrastructure investment, global financial regulation, and strategies for equitable growth.

The summit continues over the weekend, with multiple sessions scheduled on trade, technology, and global health. South Africa’s hosting of the G20 is seen as a historic first for the continent, highlighting its role in international economic and diplomatic affairs.