By Dr. Kivumbi Earnest Benjamin, L.H.D. (Hon.) Updated at 2146 EAT on Saturday 21st November 2025

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — World leaders are in Johannesburg for the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, which has officially opened this Saturday, marking the first time the influential forum is being hosted on African soil. The milestone event is being hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough for the continent, even as it unfolds under the cloud of a high-profile boycott by the United States.

This year’s summit brings together heads of state, senior government officials, and representatives of major global institutions. According to South African officials, at least 42 countries and international bodies will participate in the three-day gathering, which aims to tackle pressing global challenges ranging from economic instability and climate shocks to rising geopolitical tensions and persistent inequality.

Johannesburg — South Africa’s commercial and financial hub — has been transformed into a fortified international zone, with security tightened around key venues, hotels, and transport corridors. The city is expected to showcase not only South Africa’s organizational capacity but also Africa’s readiness to take on a more prominent role in global economic governance.

However, the summit’s historic significance has been overshadowed by the absence of the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration announced earlier in the week that it would not send a delegation, citing long-debunked allegations that South Africa “mistreats white people.” The claims have been dismissed by Pretoria, independent observers, and numerous international human rights monitors, who have described the allegations as politically motivated and factually incorrect.

South Africa’s government expressed disappointment over Washington’s decision but emphasized that the summit would continue to advance its goals. “The United States is an important global partner, but the work of the G20 cannot be halted or diminished by the absence of any single nation,” a senior South African official said. “This summit is a moment for Africa to demonstrate leadership on the world stage.”

Despite the diplomatic rift, the Johannesburg meeting is expected to deliver a strong Africa-centered agenda, including discussions on reforming global financial institutions, expanding climate financing, and strengthening international supply chains. Analysts say South Africa’s chairmanship represents an opportunity for emerging economies to push for greater equity in global decision-making.

As leaders converge on Johannesburg — among them presidents and prime ministers from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and across Africa — expectations are high that the continent’s voice will resonate more strongly in global economic discourse than ever before.

The summit concludes on Monday with the release of a joint communiqué outlining the commitments and priorities agreed upon by participating nations.