Francophone countries from Africa and the Indian Ocean region convened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from April 28 to 30 for a regional consultation aimed at shaping their trade priorities ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), set to take place in the same city in March 2026.
This key event, jointly organized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), provided a platform for member states to explore opportunities in global trade, with a focus on advancing tariff reforms and expanding their role in multilateral negotiations.
Cameroon’s Minister of Trade encouraged participants to view MC14 as a launchpad for inclusive economic growth, highlighting the importance of tariffs as both protective tools for local industries and strategic instruments for global competitiveness. He emphasized that trade multilateralism continues to serve as a pathway for sustainable development.
The consultations focused on vital areas such as food security, investment facilitation, digital commerce, environmental sustainability, and subsidies, with a special emphasis on how fair and well-structured tariff systems can support long-term growth across the Francophone bloc.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their engagement in global trade, recognizing that strengthening tariff policies, improving trade capacity, and enhancing cooperation can lead to job creation, economic diversification, and regional prosperity.
The WTO also presented updated global trade forecasts and progress on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, offering insights that will help shape strategic trade policy decisions.
This consultation reflects the growing collaboration between WTO and OIF, reinforcing their shared goal of ensuring that Francophone nations—particularly developing economies—maximize their potential in the evolving global trade landscape.
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