SA Withdraws From 2026 G20 After Being Left Out by U.S.A

South Africa has announced that it will not take part in the 2026 G20 activities following its exclusion by the United States, which assumes leadership of the grouping next year. Government officials described the decision as a “commercial break” for the duration of Washington’s presidency.

The announcement comes after U.S. Senator Marco Rubio issued a sharp statement on Wednesday confirming that South Africa would not receive an invitation to the U.S.-chaired G20. Rubio criticised Pretoria’s policy direction, claiming that its land reform approach, regulatory framework and equity laws had weakened investor confidence and hampered economic growth. He also accused the government of pushing what he termed “extreme agendas” linked to climate policy, diversity programmes and an overreliance on external assistance.

Rubio went further, alleging that the ruling party had blamed both citizens and international partners for domestic challenges, tolerated attacks on white farmers, and forged close ties with states viewed unfavourably by Washington. He also accused South Africa of ignoring U.S. positions, frustrating negotiations, and exposing personal details of American officials during its recent G20 presidency.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that South Africa plans to resume its participation once the G20 chairmanship rotates in 2027. Until then, Pretoria will stay out of all G20 engagements.

Political analysts warn that stepping back from the forum could reduce South Africa’s influence on major global issues, especially climate finance, debt relief and development priorities for the Global South. With geopolitical tensions rising, some observers caution that the withdrawal could weaken collective advocacy by developing countries.