JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – In a stunning reversal, the United States government has indicated a “change of mind” regarding its boycott of the Group of Twenty (G20) summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The eleventh-hour diplomatic maneuver comes just days before the historic meeting in Johannesburg, the first ever to be held on African soil, and throws the summit's agenda into a state of flux.

The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, had previously declared it would not send any officials to the November 22-23 summit. The boycott was justified by claims of racial discrimination and violence against minority white Afrikaner farmers in South Africa, allegations the South African government has vehemently denied. The Trump administration has been vocal in its criticism, with the U.S. President calling it a “disgrace” that South Africa was hosting the event. These claims have been a recurring point of friction in U.S.-South Africa relations, which have become increasingly strained.

Speaking at a press conference alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, President Ramaphosa confirmed receipt of a notice from the U.S. indicating a desire to participate. “This comes at the late hour before the summit begins and so therefore we do need to… see how practical it is and what it finally really means,” Ramaphosa stated, describing the development as a “very positive sign” and reiterating that “boycott politics never work.” However, the White House later clarified that a U.S. representative would attend only the formal handover ceremony, as the U.S. is set to assume the G20 presidency, but would not participate in any talks.

Diplomatic Pressure and Coercion Allegations

Prior to the reversal, the U.S. had exerted significant diplomatic pressure. A diplomatic note sent to Pretoria indicated that Washington would oppose any consensus-based G20 leaders' declaration in its absence and would only accept a non-binding “chair’s statement.” This move was labeled an act of “coercion by absentia” by Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson for South Africa’s foreign ministry. Phiri argued that such tactics are a “recipe for institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action.”

The U.S. objections were not limited to its attendance. Washington has openly opposed South Africa's G20 priorities, themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” which aim to champion the development agenda of Africa and the Global South. Key agenda items include reforming global financial architecture, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, and mobilizing finance for a just energy transition—all issues of critical importance to Kenya and the East African region.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

The G20 summit in Johannesburg is a pivotal moment for the continent, amplified by the African Union's recent inclusion as a permanent member. For Kenya, the stakes are particularly high. The country's national debt has surged to KSh 11.81 trillion, with debt servicing costs consuming a significant portion of the national budget. Consequently, Kenyan civil society organizations have been vocal in demanding that the G20 address crippling debt burdens and unfair global taxation systems.

The summit's focus on infrastructure development, supported by G20 initiatives, is also crucial for the region. Investments in modernizing ports in Kenya and Tanzania, as well as developing rail and digital corridors, are seen as game-changers for boosting trade and realizing the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The uncertainty surrounding U.S. participation and its potential to disrupt consensus on these key issues is therefore a significant concern for Nairobi and its neighbors. A weakened or divided G20 could undermine progress on securing stable and fair trade agreements, such as the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

An Uncertain Path Forward

As leaders gather in Johannesburg, the diplomatic whiplash from Washington casts a long shadow. While South Africa has publicly welcomed the U.S. change of heart, the practicalities of their last-minute inclusion and the extent of their engagement remain unclear. The White House's clarification that participation will be limited to the handover ceremony suggests the U.S. still intends to distance itself from the substantive discussions and outcomes of the summit.

The episode underscores the deep ideological divisions on the global stage, particularly between the Trump administration's nationalist stance and the multilateral approach favored by nations like South Africa and its European partners. For the first G20 summit on African soil, the primary challenge will be to navigate this fraught geopolitical landscape and deliver tangible outcomes for a continent demanding economic justice and a more equitable global order. The final declaration, if one is issued by consensus, will be heavily scrutinized for its commitments on debt relief, climate finance, and fair trade—the very issues that directly impact the economic future of millions of Kenyans.