US Backs Poland Against SA for G20

The United States (US) has confirmed South Africa’s exclusion from the 2026 G20 summit, citing its stagnant economy and ideological shift under the African National Congress (ANC), and instead, is backing Poland’s inclusion.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced South Africa’s exclusion from the prestigious summit in Miami, scheduled for 2026, emphasizing the country’s failure to achieve economic growth and its departure from free-market principles. Rubio’s remarks underscore America’s commitment to economic growth, innovation, and market-driven progress, values he argues South Africa’s leadership has distanced itself from.

In his criticism, Rubio pointed to the ANC's move away from the reconciliation policies of Nelson Mandela towards more socialist and redistributive policies. These have, according to Rubio, undermined investor confidence and resulted in the exodus of talent from South Africa, further stalling its economic potential. The US also disapproved of South Africa’s presidency of the G20 this year, accusing it of focusing on divisive issues like climate change and aid dependency instead of driving global economic progress. This, Rubio argued, has tarnished the G20’s credibility and placed South Africa’s leadership at odds with the summit’s intended focus.

In contrast, Poland, which has transformed from its communist past into one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, is being welcomed by the US as a model of economic reform and progress. Rubio framed the decision as part of a broader US strategy to elevate nations that embrace policies conducive to innovation and market-driven growth, placing South Africa’s current ideological direction in stark contrast.

This exclusion sends a clear message about the US’s prioritization of nations that adhere to free-market principles and economic reforms. As the US leads the G20 in 2026, it will focus on policies that foster global prosperity, policies Rubio claims South Africa has abandoned under its current leadership.