South Africa remains optimistic about American participation in its G20 Presidency, even as doubts persist over the depth of the United States’ contribution, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes said on Monday, Eyewitness News reported.

Speaking at a dialogue hosted by the Southern African Liaison Office, Botes outlined Africa’s priorities for the G20, which include addressing slow economic growth, rising poverty, unemployment, and governance challenges. He emphasised the importance of leveraging South Africa’s leadership role to advance the continent’s interests.

Concerns over US engagement have grown following notable absences from earlier events. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio skipped the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg in March due to a policy dispute with Pretoria, and President Donald Trump is also expected to miss the Leaders’ Summit in November.

Despite this, Botes highlighted that Vice President JD Vance’s confirmed attendance would ensure high-level American representation. “The presence of the Vice President of the USA will cement the role that G20 plays and the obligations it imposes on all its members,” he said.

Not everyone shares this optimism. Brian Kagoro, Managing Director at the Open Society Foundation, argued that the G20’s impact should not be judged by the participation of the United States. “The determination of whether or not this is truly an African G20 and not a G20 in South Africa is not about whether the US shows up, it’s whether or not African people show up,” Kagoro said.

As the United States prepares to assume the G20 Presidency next, South Africa is focused on ensuring the continent’s priorities remain on the agenda, even amid questions over Washington’s commitment.