Africa’s 3 biggest Economies Are At UNGA 2026, But Their Presidents Are Not

South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria, Africa’s three largest economies by nominal GDP, are all represented at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week but none of their presidents will personally attend the high-level gathering.

• 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.”

A week of issues that matter to Africa

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.

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.

The absence comes as the UNGA discusses issues with direct impact on Africa, including peace, security, climate change, and development (iMAGE: Lev Radin/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect)

South Africa

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.

Egypt

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.

Nigeria

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.

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The presidents are absent, but the countries are not

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.

Business Insider Africa