WASHINGTON – After weeks of speculation, Secretary Rubio announced in a Substack post that South Africa — a founding G20 member and its only African member state — will not be invited to the U.S.-hosted G20. In addition to policy differences and accusations of systematic racial discrimination, the Secretary noted that “[South Africa’s] relationships with Iran, its entertainment of Hamas sympathizers, and cozying to America’s greatest adversaries move it from the family of nations we once called close.”

For attribution to Elizabeth Hoffman, Executive Director (North America), The ONE Campaign: “South Africa is a founding member of the G20 and one of Africa’s largest economies. Excluding a G20 member is the wrong signal at the wrong time. The G20 matters because it brings countries with serious differences into the same room to solve shared problems.”

“U.S. policymakers have expressed serious concern about South Africa’s shifting alliances and alignments for years. But the G20, which includes China and Russia, is not a family of free nations comprised only of friends, neighbors, and partners.”

“Policy misalignment and strategic competition are not justifiable reasons for exclusion. The G20 is important precisely because it is a forum where the economic powerhouses of the world can come together to take on important issues despite serious differences.”

“Africa’s voice belongs at every global economic table. Nearly one in every five people on the planet is African. It is projected that 13 out of the 20 fastest growing economies in the world will be African in 2025. South Africa is the largest economy on the continent. We urge the host to uphold the G20’s purpose, protect the integrity of the forum, and ensure that all members, South Africa included, are at the table.”

About ONE:

ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Since 2004, we have helped secure more than $1 trillion in new investments that build a safer, more prosperous world. Our trusted advocacy combines hard-hitting data, grassroots activism and political engagement to influence decision-makers and drive lasting change.