Cameroon ready to host WTO 14th ministerial conference - Trade minister.

Minister Mbarga Atangana was speaking recently in Geneva, shortly after being elected Chair of the conference by WTO members. 

According to the minister, the country is prepared both logistically and organisationally to welcome delegations from across the world.

“We can say quite clearly that we are ready,” Minister Mbarga Atangana said. The election of Minister Mbarga Atangana as chair of the MC14 was confirmed during a General Council meeting of the WTO, which also named three Vice Chairs for the conference.

They are; Minister Kamina Johnson Smith of Jamaica, Minister Todd McClay of New Zealand and Minister Francisco Tiu-Laurel of the Philippines. The leadership team will oversee preparations and the conduct of the conference in Yaounde.

Minister Mbarga Atangana said the decision to entrust Cameroon with the presidency of the conference carried wider significance. 

“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 leading the work of the conference with satisfaction and full responsibility.

He said the government is working closely with Cameroonian ambassadors and the WTO Secretariat to ensure the preparatory process is completed on time.

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

The trade minister 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 said.

On her part, WTO Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, welcomed the progress made so far and said preparations were advancing smoothly. 

“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,” she said.

She added that the Cameroonian government’s engagement had reassured WTO members of the warm reception awaiting them in Yaounde. Okonjo-Iweala also confirmed the support of the WTO Secretariat in delivering a successful conference.

Hospitality sector intensifies preparations

Beyond diplomatic preparations, work is also underway on the ground to support the hosting of the event. 

In Yaounde, actors in the tourism and leisure sector have been undergoing capacity-building to prepare for the arrival of international delegations. 

The Ministry of Tourism and Leisure has organised training sessions aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a secure and comfortable stay for visitors.

An information and training workshop was recently held in Yaounde, bringing together hotel managers, restaurant operators, leisure facility managers, tour guides and travel agencies. 

The programme focused on the expected tourism impact of the conference, the development of adapted tourist circuits and the installation of welcome desks in accommodation facilities.

The Ministry of Trade has indicated that more than 4,000 hotel rooms meeting international standards will be made available during the conference, as part of broader efforts to support Cameroon’s readiness to host the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3665 of Tuesday January 06, 2026