The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed Cameroon as the host of its 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in 2026, making it the second African country to host the event after Kenya in 2015. The conference, scheduled to take place from March 26 to 29, 2026, will bring together trade ministers and senior officials from the WTO's 166 member countries to discuss and shape the future of global trade.

The decision was announced in a statement by the WTO, with the General Council Chair, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, expressing confidence in Cameroon's ability to host the event. Cameroon's Ambassador, Salomon Eheth, expressed gratitude to the WTO members for their confidence in selecting Cameroon and highlighted the country's potential for investment and sustainable development.

The WTO's Ministerial Conference is the highest decision-making body of the organization, held every two years to address critical issues in global trade. The conference provides a platform for member countries to negotiate and agree on trade agreements, settle disputes, and shape the organization's agenda. The event is expected to tackle several unresolved disputes, including e-commerce tariffs, industrial policy, and trade and environment issues.

The WTO's MC13, held previously, recorded some gains, including the admission of two least developed countries, Comoros and Timor-Leste, and the launch of a joint initiative to increase transparency and fairness in regulating traded services. However, the conference also faced criticism for failing to address critical issues, such as the lack of progress on e-commerce tariffs and the imposition of discriminatory tariffs by the United States on imports from China.

Experts have expressed concerns over the WTO's inability to uphold its principle of nondiscrimination, a crucial pillar of the organization. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has also expressed disappointment over the lack of progress on key issues, including a comprehensive agriculture agenda and an agreement on harmful fisheries subsidies.

Despite these challenges, the WTO's MC14 is expected to tackle most of these unresolved disputes and provide a platform for member countries to negotiate and agree on trade agreements. The conference is seen as an opportunity for Cameroon and Africa to showcase their potential for investment and sustainable development, and to contribute to the development of the multilateral trading system.

The selection of Cameroon as the host of MC14 is a significant milestone for African countries in global trade, highlighting their growing importance in shaping the future of international trade. As the WTO gears up for the conference, it is expected to address the critical issues that have plagued the organization and to provide a platform for member countries to work together towards a more equitable and sustainable global trading system.