UNGA 2026: Africa’s three biggest economies attend without their leaders

The presidents of South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria, Africa’s three largest economies by nominal GDP, are absent from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Business Insider Africa reports that senior officials are representing the three countries during high-level discussions on security, climate, development and UN reform.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stayed away on medical advice, with Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola leading his delegation. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi sent Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, meanwhile, is on a private vacation in France, according to the presidency, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria.

The three countries remain fully represented and are participating in meetings and negotiations despite their presidents’ absence from New York this week.