South Africa Defies Trump Demand to Be Excluded From G20
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – November 7, 2025 - South Africa has signaled it will not comply with a recent call from former U.S. president Donald Trump for its removal from the Group of Twenty (G20), maintaining its place at the table as the summit approaches later this month in Johannesburg. The stance underscores the nation’s commitment to international cooperation and its role as a key economic power on the African continent.
The dispute arises amidst ongoing criticism from Trump regarding South Africa’s policies and its relationship with other global actors. However, the G20, comprised of the world’s largest economies plus the European Union and the African Union, operates on consensus and membership is not subject to the unilateral decision of any single nation. The upcoming summit, scheduled to convene later in November, will focus on critical issues of global growth, development, and sustainability, with leaders expected to address pressing economic and geopolitical challenges.
The G20 was established in 1999 as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors, evolving to include annual summits of heads of state or government in 2008 in response to the global financial crisis. South africa joined the group in 2010, becoming the first African nation to be included, and represents the continent’s interests within the forum. The Johannesburg summit will be a significant opportunity for South Africa to showcase its economic progress and advocate for African priorities on the global stage.
