Germany has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to exclude South Africa from the next G20 Summit, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul warning that sidelining one of Africa’s leading economies would undermine international cooperation.
Speaking on Thursday at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Wadephul described South Africa as “an indispensable member of the G20” and argued that excluding the country would be “in no one’s interest.”
“To exclude South Africa means sidelining an important African voice and a regional economic and political powerhouse,” Wadephul said, stressing that, at a time of growing global economic uncertainty, the international community needs “more cooperation, not less.”
Trump announced in November that South Africa would not be invited to the 2027 G20 Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Miami.
During his address, the German foreign minister also emphasized Berlin’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pretoria despite differences over major geopolitical issues, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza and relations with China.
“In some disputed matters we can agree to disagree, and at the same time keep on working together. What matters is that we are committed to the same international principles,” Wadephul said.
South Africa, a member of the BRICS bloc, maintains close political and economic relations with both Russia and China.
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Wadephul said Russia continues to pose “an existential security threat” to Europe, noting that Russian Iskander ballistic missiles deployed in Kaliningrad could reach Berlin within minutes.
On China, he called for Germany and South Africa to deepen cooperation while reducing dependence on a single market and supply chain, arguing that excessive reliance on one country presents strategic risks.
The remarks underscore Germany’s support for maintaining South Africa’s role within the G20 and highlight growing transatlantic differences over the future composition of the world’s leading economic forum.
