Yaoundé, Cameroon — The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) opened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 26 March 2026, marking the first time the event is being held on the African continent. The conference, set to run until 29 March, brings together trade ministers from around the world to address the challenges and opportunities of the multilateral trading system.
Chaired by Cameroon’s Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, the opening session featured remarks from WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who acknowledged the unprecedented disruptions in the global trading system. “We cannot deny the scale of the problems confronting the world today, “she said emphasizing the need for reform within the WTO.
The agenda encompasses a range of topics, including WTO reform, fisheries subsidies, the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, e — commerce, agriculture, and development issues, particularly those affecting least developed countries (LDCs). The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group has outlined its priorities, including LDC graduation, agriculture and food security, intellectual property rights, and the renewal of the e-commerce moratorium.
Amidst the discussions, the future of the WTO remains a critical issue, with member states divided on the necessary reforms. The IISD Trade + Sustainability Hub, co-hosting sessions alongside MC14, will bring together thought leaders from governments, business, and civil society to explore how trade policy can evolve to address current global challenges.
The conference is expected to conclude on 29 March with a Heads of Delegation meeting at the ministerial level, preparing for the closing session.
Source: tralac
