26/03/2026 – The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference officially commenced in Yaoundé, Cameroon on 26th March, 2026. The WTO Ministerial Conference has convened Trade Ministers and their representatives from all 166 members of the WTO to deliberate on key global trade issues.
During the opening session, Honourable Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Minister of Trade of Cameroon welcomed all delegations to Yaoundé for the 14th Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference. He acknowledged that the Conference was being held at a time of deep crisis in the world but also at a time with much hope and opportunity. Hon. Atangana expressed Cameroons support for the WTO Director General and the organisation. He called for good-faith engagement to ensure the organisation continues to promote stability, predictability, and inclusive trade.
In her statement, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO, thanked all delegations present for their support and effort to be in Cameroon despite the current logistical challenges facing the aviation industry. She noted that the world is experiencing the worst trade disruption in 80 years but despite all the global challenges, 72% of global trade is taking place on WTO terms. The Director general highlighted that the WTO has challenges but also offers pathways for prosperity. She noted that discussions will focus on priority areas including e-commerce, agriculture, fisheries subsidies, and investment facilitation for development, emphasizing the need for collective action to reinforce the multilateral trading system.
The Ministerial Conference was officially opened on behalf of His Excellency, Mr. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon by Mr. Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon. The Prime Minister invited Ministers and their representatives to engage constructively to ensure a positive outcome at the conference.
The opening session, included an update on the state of play on negotiations at the WTO. Members also celebrated the entry into force of the WTO Fisheries subsidies agreement which came into force on 15th September, 2026. During the session, Samoa, Paraguay and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines deposited their instruments of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
The Zambian delegation will participate in the substantive meetings during the conference including bilateral meetings and side events.
Issued by:
The Permanent Mission of Zambia in Geneva