By George Omagbemi
The leaders of Africa’s three biggest economies are notably absent from the 81st United Nations General Assembly currently taking place in New York, with South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria represented by senior government officials instead.
According to a report by Business Insider Africa published on September 21, 2026, the three countries remain fully represented at UNGA 81 despite the absence of Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.
The three economies are projected by the International Monetary Fund to be worth about $480 billion for South Africa, $430 billion for Egypt and $377 billion for Nigeria in 2026.
In South Africa, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola is leading the delegation after Ramaphosa was advised by his medical team to temporarily withdraw from public engagements.
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly is representing President el-Sisi and is scheduled to deliver speeches and hold high-level meetings.
For Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading the delegation and is expected to deliver the country’s national statement.
The Presidency has said Tinubu is currently in France after extending his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. It also maintains that the President has continued directing national affairs while away.
UNGA 81 is addressing major issues including global security, climate change, development, financing and reform of the international system.
While the three countries remain represented, their presidents will not personally participate in the high-level diplomatic engagements taking place in New York.
Leave a Reply