- The presidents of South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, Africa’s largest economies, are not attending the 81st UN General Assembly in person.
- Senior officials and ministers are representing each country, ensuring continued participation in key discussions.
- The absence comes as the UNGA discusses issues with direct impact on Africa, including peace, security, climate change, and development.
- Nigeria’s delegation is particularly relevant due to ongoing concerns about terrorism and security within the country.
The three economies are projected to be worth roughly $480 billion, $430 billion and $377 billion respectively in 2026, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, putting South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria at the top of the continent’s economic rankings
Their absence comes as nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected in New York for a week of high-level diplomacy
The General Debate begins on September 22 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
DON’T MISS THIS:From South Africa to Nigeria: how African leaders voiced the continent’s priorities at the UNGA
The presidents’ absence comes as UNGA 81 takes up issues with direct implications for Africa, from UN reform and global financing to peace, security, climate and development. African countries continue to push for greater representation in global decision-making, including permanent seats on the UN Security Council
Peace and security will be particularly relevant. Nigeria recorded 171 terrorist attacks and 750 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, its highest death toll since 2020, according to the Global Terrorism Index
That makes the UNGA a significant platform for Nigeria to discuss its counterterrorism strategy, international cooperation and the role it wants the UN to play in addressing insecurity at home. With President Bola Tinubu absent, however, he will not personally make that case during the high-level week
The agenda also covers issues central to Africa’s development, including climate action, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness, the Sustainable Development Goals and the right to development
DON’T MISS THIS:UNGA 78: See Nigeria’s agenda for its billion-dollar tech ecosystem
For Africa’s three largest economies, the week therefore offers an opportunity to engage on security, financing, development and the continent’s role in global affairs, even as their presidents are not all in New York to lead those discussions personally
President Cyril Ramaphosa is not attending the UNGA in person after being booked off from public engagements on medical advice
The South African Presidency announced on September 16 that Ramaphosa had been advised by his medical team to rest and recover, adding that ministers would represent him where possible at scheduled engagements
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola is leading South Africa’s delegation in New York. Pretoria has said its priorities include UN reform, stronger multilateralism and permanent African representation on the Security Council
For South Africa, the UNGA is also an opportunity to advance its position on conflicts and international law. Lamola has argued that the credibility of the international system depends on rules being applied equally, regardless of the power of the countries involved
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is also staying away, with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly travelling to New York on September 21 to lead Egypt’s delegation under the direction of the president
Egypt’s State Information Service said Madbouly will deliver speeches and statements at various UNGA events and hold high-level meetings with international organisations, as well as executives and representatives of global companies
Madbouly’s schedule means Egypt will still have senior-level representation during discussions involving international diplomacy, development and investment
President Bola Tinubu is the third leader from Africa’s three largest economies to miss the gathering. According to Nigeria’s presidency, Tinubu is currently in France on a private vacation
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation and is scheduled to deliver the country’s national statement. Nigerian officials have said Tinubu is on annual leave and has mandated Shettima to represent him
Shettima is also expected to hold bilateral meetings and participate in other high-level engagements during the gathering
Nigeria’s presence is particularly significant given its economic and diplomatic weight on the continent and its longstanding push for greater African representation in global institutions
DON’T MISS THIS:Despite US opposition, Africa wins UN backing to correct world map that shrinks its true size
The three countries are therefore not boycotting UNGA 81 or reducing their participation. Their governments have sent senior officials with mandates to speak and negotiate on their behalf
But the absence of the presidents removes the opportunity for Ramaphosa, el-Sisi and Tinubu to personally use the UNGA platform for national statements and the extensive diplomacy that takes place on the sidelines
That matters because High-Level Week is not limited to speeches in the General Assembly chamber. Presidents and other senior leaders use the gathering for bilateral meetings, investment discussions, regional diplomacy and negotiations on issues ranging from conflicts and trade to development finance and global governance
For Africa’s three largest economies, those conversations will still take place but this year, their presidents will be following them from home rather than conducting them personally in New York