Tinubu, Ramaphosa and El-Sisi Absent as Africa’s Top Economies Attend UNGA 2026

Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt are attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York without their presidents physically present. The three countries are Africa’s largest economies by projected 2026 nominal GDP and have sent senior officials to lead their delegations. Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria while President Bola Tinubu is on annual leave in France. Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and hold bilateral meetings. South Africa is represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola after President Cyril Ramaphosa was advised to rest, while Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly is leading Egypt’s delegation on behalf of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The UNGA discussions include global financing, climate action, peace and security, UN reform and Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council. Nigeria’s delegation is also expected to raise issues linked to insecurity and the country’s wider diplomatic interests.

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