World leaders were gathering in South Africa on Friday, ahead of the first G20 summit held on African soil.

The bloc has expanded to 21 members: 19 of the world's wealthiest nations, plus the European Union (EU) and African Union. 

G20 members represent over half of the world's population, approximately 85% of the world's economy and 75% of international trade.

Also in attendance in Johannesburg will be top representatives of the United Nations, the World Bank and other international institutions.

But the meeting has been overshadowed by the notable absences of the leaders of the world's three most powerful countries: the US, China and Russia.

Nevertheless, European nations are viewing the summit as an opportunity to strengthen commercial ties.

"The African states are searching for partnerships," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, "and so I will go to Johannesburg in any case and hold talks there. ... I expect that we will return to Germany with good results."

Why is the US boycotting the G20?

The Trump administration boycotted the G20 this year over its months-long poor relations with South Africa. 

Trump has accused the South African government of systematically persecuting white South Africans, known as Afrikaners, a claim that has been repeatedly debunked. 

South Africa's ambassador has also been expelled from the US over the spat, after he accused Trump of racism.

The US will send no one to the summit. The only US official attending will be the American ambassador in Johannesburg, who will only appear at the handover ceremony. The US will host the next G20 summit at a golf club owned by Trump in Florida.

EU presents itself as a 'reliable partner'

The EU will be seeking to fill the void left by the world's largest economy, positioning itself as a reliable partner at the summit.

"The European Union is here. We are predictable, reliable and trustworthy partners," said European Council President Antonio Costa upon arrival in Johannesburg.

"We are here to work with our G20 partners. We are here to work together because nobody can tackle global challenges alone," Costa said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc would "continue to champion partnership, openness and fair competition" in its trade relationships with the nations present.

The EU this week has also announced a new critical minerals agreement with South Africa, with von der Leyen saying the G20 was an opportunity to "double down" on their economic partnership.

Edited by: Karl Sexton