South Africa Excluded From G20 Sherpa Meeting, Experts Warn of Troubling Precedent
South Africa has been notably excluded from a crucial preparatory meeting for the 2026 G20 Summit, raising concerns among diplomats and policy experts. DIRCO Director-General Zane Dangor confirmed to Parliament on Wednesday that South Africa was left out of Sunday’s Sherpa meeting, which is designed to map out the agenda and priorities for next year’s summit.
The news was first revealed to South Africa by the sherpas of other member states, who reportedly expressed disapproval at the exclusion. The move comes in the aftermath of November’s G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where US President Donald Trump reportedly decided that South Africa would not be included in future G20 preparatory meetings.
Kesaobaka Nancy Mopipi, a G20 Researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, explained that the exclusion of South Africa is not entirely unexpected. “I think it’s been anticipated, given how the Trump administration has been engaging with South Africa’s G20 presidency,” Mopipi said.
South Africa Faces US Exclusion in 2026 G20 Agenda Planning
Despite being left out of this meeting, Mopipi emphasised that South Africa remains a full and permanent member of the G20. “Regardless of the US decision not to invite them to specific meetings, they are a G20 member,” she noted, highlighting that the country retains all rights associated with membership.
As the first African country to host a G20 Leaders’ Summit, South Africa has worked to elevate the continent’s voice in global economic discussions. Hosting the 2025 summit in Johannesburg allowed South Africa to showcase its priorities, from sustainable development to inclusive growth.
The exclusion from preparatory meetings undermines South Africa’s ability to fully contribute to the agenda-setting process. Experts warn that sidelining a key member could weaken the collaborative spirit of the G20, particularly when it comes to representing the perspectives of emerging economies and African nations.
Mopipi and other analysts argue that the US decision sets a dangerous precedent for international diplomacy. “This could allow other countries to exclude a fellow G20 member based on disagreements over domestic policy,” Mopipi said. The concern is that such actions may politicise what should be a cooperative platform, undermining the G20’s purpose of fostering dialogue and consensus among major economies.
The move has sparked debate in South Africa, with policymakers stressing the importance of defending the country’s right to participate fully in global decision-making forums. “South Africa’s exclusion is symbolic but also deeply concerning for multilateralism,” Mopipi added.
Adding to the controversy, the Trump administration reportedly removed all references to South Africa from the official G20 website earlier this week. In place of South Africa’s content, the site now displays an image of President Trump with the caption, “The best is yet to come.”
Observers say this digital erasure further highlights the sidelining of South Africa and underscores the challenges the country faces in ensuring its voice is heard within the G20 framework. Despite this, South Africa continues to engage with other G20 members and regional partners to maintain influence over economic and policy discussions.
While the exclusion is seen as a diplomatic setback, South Africa remains committed to participating in G20 processes. DIRCO and other government institutions are reportedly working to ensure that the country’s priorities—such as infrastructure development, climate finance, and inclusive trade—remain on the global agenda.
Experts argue that South Africa’s ongoing engagement with other member states, even in the face of US opposition, demonstrates resilience. “South Africa must continue to assert its position and ensure that the continent’s interests are represented in all G20 deliberations,” Mopipi said.
The incident has sparked wider discussion about the future of multilateral platforms like the G20. If individual member states are allowed to selectively exclude others, the credibility and effectiveness of these forums could be undermined. For South Africa, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to strengthen alliances with like-minded countries and assert its leadership role in global economic governance.
As preparations continue for the 2026 G20 Summit, South Africa will likely remain vigilant, ensuring that the country and the African continent retain a voice in shaping global economic priorities.
Source- EWN
