Trade minister elected to chair WTO’s 14th ministerial confab.

The decision was taken by WTO members during a General Council meeting held recently in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of preparations for the upcoming ministerial conference. The election formally places Cameroon at the head of the WTO’s highest decision-making gathering, which brings together trade ministers from all member states.

Alongside the Chair, WTO members also elected three Vice Chairs for the conference. They are Jamaica’s Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, New Zealand’s Minister Todd McClay, and Philippines’ Minister Francisco Tiu-Laurel. The leadership team will steer both the organisational arrangements and the substantive negotiations ahead of and during the conference in Yaoundé.

Speaking after his election, Minister Mbarga Atangana thanked WTO members for their support and outlined Cameroon’s commitment to the success of the conference.

“We can say quite clearly that we are ready,” he said, referring to the country’s preparations to host the event. In a longer address to the General Council, the minister said the election went beyond Cameroon alone.

“I thank you for this election which honours not only my country, Cameroon, but also the whole of Africa and all the members of our organisation,” he said. 

He added that Cameroon accepted the responsibility of presiding over the work of the conference with satisfaction and full responsibility.

Minister Mbarga Atangana said Cameroon would work closely with its ambassadors and the WTO Secretariat to ensure the preparatory process is completed successfully ahead of March 2026. He expressed confidence that the discussions in Yaoundé would lead to outcomes acceptable to all members.

“We trust our ambassadors and the WTO Secretariat so that in the next three months this process is concluded properly and that in Yaoundé we reach solid consensus, consensus that is beneficial to all,” he said.

He also extended an invitation to WTO members to attend the conference in Cameroon, describing the country as Africa in miniature and a land of hospitality and opportunity.

“You are welcome to Cameroon,” he told delegates gathered in Geneva.

Enter WTO Director-General

On her part, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the election and said preparations for the conference were progressing smoothly. She noted that the host country was moving ahead with logistical and organisational arrangements in line with agreed timelines.

“I’m encouraged to note that preparations are progressing smoothly and that Cameroon is prepared to welcome all members and will do work as hard as is necessary so that all is ready in three months’ time,” Okonjo-Iweala said. She added that the minister’s intervention at the General Council meeting and the Cameroonian delegation’s engagement had reassured members about the readiness of the host country.

The Director-General also confirmed the WTO Secretariat’s support for the process.

“Please be assured you have the support of the Secretariat in ensuring a successful ministerial conference,” she said.

The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference will focus on key global trade issues and negotiations among member states. The Yaoundé meeting follows earlier ministerial conferences held in other regions and marks a major international event for Cameroon as host country and conference chair.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3663 of Sunday January 04, 2025