Africa is hosting this major international trade event for the first time in a decade.
The Ivorian delegation, led by Minister Kalil Konaté, participated in the official opening of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé on Thursday, March 26.
The Yaoundé Convention Center, perched on the hills above the city, was the venue for the ceremony officially launching the event on Thursday, March 26, 2026, before thousands of delegates from around the world. Cameroonian Minister Luc Magloire MBarga Atangana praised the “impressive” turnout of so many guests.
The Cameroonian minister warmly praised the leadership of the Director-General of the WTO, Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweaka, before emphasizing the need for a shared commitment “to reform the WTO so that it can meet current challenges and restore confidence in the multilateral trading system.”
He also noted that it is essential “to be able to promote African investment and the free trade area.”
The Cameroonian, who is also the President of the Conference, highlighted the importance of this 14th edition, “with its multiple challenges,” within a complex global context. He also noted that the future of the WTO is at stake, given that the reform of the Organization is being discussed.
He further stressed that the issue also concerns “immediate matters, the central question of development.”
He welcomed the presence of the Director-General, a true icon, whom we saw during these preparatory days actively participating in the various sessions, speaking out, and advocating for the “unity, stability, and resilience” of the WTO, which has been shaken by differences of opinion.
The Director-General hopes that, during these meetings, “members will succeed in adopting a roadmap for the reform of the organization.”
She hopes that Yaoundé will send “a strong signal” and that the ministers present will make progress in the negotiations to discuss the steps to be taken “in order to break the deadlock.”
It should be noted that in Yaoundé, several member states wish to modify the Organization’s decision-making processes, which follow the principle of consensus, as well as review the rules relating to developing countries concerning a level playing field and revise the mechanism for settling trade disputes.
The conference will run until March 29, 2026. It will be punctuated by discussions and bilateral meetings.
