Trump’s No-Show Diplomacy: How the US Is Undermining South Africa’s G20 Moment

South Africa’s G20 dream meets geopolitical cold shoulder as Washington skips the table again

It should’ve been a proud diplomatic moment for South Africa. For the first time ever, an African nation is hosting the Group of 20 (G20), the world’s most powerful economic forum. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Zimbali, near Durban’s sun-kissed shores, the gathering was South Africa’s opportunity to bring issues like climate justice, debt relief, and development finance to the forefront of global priorities.

But while finance chiefs from across the globe gather under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” one powerful seat at the table remains glaringly empty, again.

For the second time this year, the United States has chosen not to show up.

The US Gives South Africa the Cold Shoulder, Twice

First, it was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who bailed earlier this year, reportedly miffed at Pretoria’s decision to center the summit’s agenda around values that challenge America’s current global posture.

Now, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has joined the diplomatic boycott, skipping this week’s key G20 finance meetings.

In the current Trump 2.0 era, it’s not just a snub, it’s a statement.

From his Oval Office rants about “white farmer genocide” in South Africa (a false claim long debunked), to fresh tariffs threatening BRICS economies, Trump has made it clear that South Africa and its vision for multilateral cooperation, is not his priority.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Symbolic First, But a Lonely One

For President Cyril Ramaphosa, this G20 presidency was supposed to be a chance to shift the power dynamic, to center Africa’s development needs and emerging market voices in a world often driven by wealthy nations.

He’s tried diplomacy. He even met Trump face-to-face in Rio de Janeiro recently, urging him to acknowledge “the emergence of various centers of power in the world.”

But with Trump now ramping up his trade war tactics, including threatening 10% tariffs on BRICS nations and a staggering 50% levy on Brazil, it’s clear South Africa’s G20 agenda is fighting for airtime in a room where the mic is being pulled by Washington.

America’s Absence: A Vacuum or an Opportunity?

While the optics of America’s absence are jarring, some experts see a silver lining.

“Trump will not render the G20 irrelevant,” says Louw Nel, a political analyst with Oxford Economics Africa. “Countries are already starting to look beyond the Trump presidency.”

Indeed, some Global South nations and US allies are closing ranks. The European Union, which hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye with Pretoria, publicly endorsed South Africa’s G20 agenda shortly after Rubio’s snub. Within weeks, the EU held its first bilateral summit with South Africa since 2018.

For Pretoria, this realignment could spark a more independent multilateralism, one less reliant on the United States.

Local Reaction: Disappointment and Defiance

Across South Africa, the US no-show has been met with a mix of frustration and firm resolve.

Sanusha Naidu, a senior fellow at the Institute for Global Dialogue, didn’t mince her words:

“There is an actor in the international system playing a disruptive role… Trump is undermining global governance, and it hurts efforts like debt relief and climate cooperation.”

On social media, hashtags like #G20Durban and #AfricaLeads have gained traction, with many users pointing out that South Africa’s priorities, food security, sustainable growth, and climate financing are not just “African issues,” but global survival issues.

What Now?

Despite the diplomatic chill, the Zimbali meetings will go ahead this week, with finance ministers and central bankers expected to meet Thursday and Friday.

And while the G20 baton will pass to the US at the Johannesburg summit in November, there’s little hope that Washington will meaningfully engage under the current administration.

Still, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola remains hopeful:

“Africa’s development must remain front and center this year and into the future. The world cannot stand by and watch as rising debt-service costs crowd out development for a generation.”

The G20 May Survive Trump, But Can Global Unity?

Trump’s diplomatic boycotts and tariff threats signal more than political pettiness. They reflect a global shift toward fragmentation, at a time when unity is desperately needed.

For South Africa, the challenge is steep, but so is the opportunity. If it can rally the Global South, win over middle powers, and double down on its core agenda, Pretoria may still pull off a legacy-defining G20 presidency.

With or without Washington in the room.

{Source: BusinessTech}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com