The proceedings of the 14ᵉ Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, held in Yaoundé from March 26 to 29, 2026, came to a close on Monday March 30. They resulted in resolutions and commitments. Among them is the extension of the moratorium on customs duties applied to electronic transmissions.

World Trade thus enters a new phase in the reform of the institution. The meeting, held at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé, brought together representatives from 166 member countries. For four days, experts, economists and diplomats worked under the supervision of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Participants also addressed a number of key issues. They discussed WTO reform and the relaunch of the dispute settlement mechanism. This system has been paralyzed for several years. They then examined e-commerce, fisheries subsidies and agricultural issues. They also discussed investment facilitation for development.

Cautious progress on sensitive issues

The delegations also paid particular attention to the integration of African economies. They also discussed the situation of the least developed countries in world trade. At the end of the discussions, a number of clear guidelines emerged. Members are moving closer to a minimum agreement to revitalize the institution.

Firstly, they agreed to extend the moratorium on electronic transmissions. However, this decision continues to divide developed and developing countries. Secondly, progress was made in negotiations on fishing subsidies. The aim is to control harmful practices and preserve fish stocks.

The discussions also reaffirmed the need to strengthen support mechanisms. Aid for Trade remains a key lever for supporting vulnerable economies. Finally, the participants reiterated their desire to relaunch dispute settlement. This mechanism is a pillar of the multilateral trading system.

However, no major global agreement has yet been reached. Nevertheless, the negotiations should result in a set of decisions. The players are already talking about the «Yaoundé package». This a minima compromise reflects fragile but necessary balances.

By hosting this conference, Cameroon has written its name into the history of the WTO. It also places African issues at the heart of global trade discussions.

Anita MENOUNGA