Speaking alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, Ramaphosa said discussions were ongoing regarding potential U.S. participation. “We have received notice from the United States… about a change of mind, about participating in one shape or form,” he said, adding that practical details were still being clarified.
The Trump administration had previously announced it would not attend Africa’s first G20 summit, citing alleged discrimination against white people in South Africa. A White House official clarified that only the U.S. chargé d’affaires would attend the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency, but the United States would not join summit discussions.
President Trump has also rejected South Africa’s summit agenda, which focuses on global solidarity, helping developing nations adapt to climate challenges, clean energy transition, and debt reduction.
Ramaphosa had previously warned about handing over the G20 presidency “to an empty chair,” underscoring concerns over the U.S. boycott.