The United States, which assumed the presidency of the G20 on December 1, has announced that it will not invite South Africa to participate in the 2026 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami. Washington accused the ANC-led government of adopting hostile positions toward the US, undermining the G20’s economic agenda, and advancing policies it described as divisive and counterproductive.

India, a major stakeholder in the forum and former president in 2023, is expected to monitor the development closely as the G20 enters a new phase shaped by American priorities.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined Washington’s vision for the 2026 G20 cycle, emphasizing a return to core economic themes. In a detailed Substack post, he said the United States would center its presidency on “innovation, entrepreneurship, and perseverance,” aligning with the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Key focus areas include reducing regulatory barriers, strengthening secure and affordable energy supply chains, and fostering breakthroughs in technology and innovation.

The first Sherpa and Finance Track meetings are scheduled for December 15–16 in Washington, leading up to the main G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami in December 2026.

As part of this shift, Rubio confirmed that the United States will invite “friends, neighbors, and partners,” specifically highlighting Poland as a new entrant to the 2026 summit. He noted that Poland “now ranks among the world’s 20 largest economies,” crediting its rise to market reforms and a strong forward-looking development strategy.

Rubio issued an unusually sharp critique of South Africa’s government, arguing that the post-Mandela leadership abandoned reconciliation in favor of policies that deterred investment and accelerated the emigration of skilled workers. He claimed racial quota systems weakened the private sector, while corruption eroded state functions, pushing the country outside the world’s top 20 industrial economies.

He further accused the ANC of fostering hostility toward minorities and the US, citing alleged tolerance of violence against Afrikaner citizens, alignment with Iran, and openness to Hamas sympathizers. Rubio argued that South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency “tarnished” the forum by prioritizing themes like climate change, equity, and aid dependency—issues he said advanced division rather than economic problem-solving. He also accused Pretoria of obstructing US proposals, blocking inputs from partner nations, and even “doxing US officials.”

“For these reasons,” Rubio declared, “President Trump and the United States will not be extending an invitation to the South African government.” He stressed that the US distinguishes between the ANC-led administration and the South African people.

A State Department media note reiterated the US focus on growth, energy security, and technological innovation, with the 2026 Leaders’ Summit confirmed for Miami.