World leaders were gathering in South Africa on Friday ahead of the first G20 summit held on African soil.
The bloc has expanded to 21 members: the world’s 19 wealthiest countries, plus the European Union (EU) and the African Union.
G20 members represent more than half the world’s population, about 85% of the world economy and 75% of international trade.
Top representatives of the United Nations, World Bank and other international institutions will also be present in Johannesburg.
But the meeting has been overshadowed by the notable absence of the leaders of the world’s three most powerful countries: the US, China and Russia.
Nevertheless, European countries are seeing the summit as an opportunity to strengthen commercial ties.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, “African states are looking for partnership, and so I will in any case go to Johannesburg and hold talks there. … I hope that we will return to Germany with good results.”
Why is America boycotting G20?
The Trump administration boycotted the G20 this year over months of deteriorating relations with South Africa.
Trump has accused the South African government of systematically oppressing white South Africans, known as Afrikaners, a claim he has repeatedly rejected.
After accusing Trump of racism, the South African ambassador has also been expelled from America over this controversy.
America will not send anyone to the summit. The only US official attending will be the US Ambassador to Johannesburg, who will only be seen at the handover ceremony. The US will host the next G20 summit at a Trump-owned golf club in Florida.
The EU presents itself as a ‘trusted partner’
The EU will try to fill the void left by the world’s largest economy, presenting itself as a reliable partner at the summit.
Upon arriving in Johannesburg, European Council President Antonio Costa said, “The EU is here. We are a predictable, reliable and trusted partner.”
“We are here to work with our G20 partners. We are here to work together because no one can tackle global challenges alone,” Costa said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc would “continue to pursue partnership, openness and fair competition” in its trade relations with existing countries.
The EU also announced a new key minerals deal with South Africa this week, with von der Leyen saying the G20 was an opportunity to “double down” on their economic partnership.
Edited by: Carl Sexton