As WTO conference countdown begins: PM inspects Mont Fébé, expresses satisfaction with ongoing renovation works.

The Head of Government was at the Mont Febe Hotel in Yaounde on Saturday, February 21, to evaluate ongoing renovation works at the facility which will serve as the headquarters of the WTO Secretariat during the high-level meeting scheduled from March 26 to 29, 2026.

Accompanied by the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, the Prime Minister assessed progress on works aimed at bringing the facility up to international standards ahead of the event.

Dion Ngute during the visit, toured several sections of the hotel under the guidance of its Director General, Nicolas Tchobang. Contractors in charge of various components of the refurbishment reported steady progress. 

According to company representatives, exterior works, including the reconstruction of the main façade and gardens, are nearing completion, with final lawn trimming expected in early March. 

Lift systems are being upgraded, with structural installations already in place and remaining mechanical components awaited. 

Plumbing and electrical materials were also said to have been delivered, with part of the installation completed. 

Officials said in the coming days, carpeting and marble flooring will be installed once materials clear customs, a process expected to take approximately five days after arrival on site.

PM expresses satisfaction with renovation

Speaking at the end of the tour, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress.

“We thought it was time to come here again for a second visit to see the progress being made in preparation for the Ministerial Conference of the WTO. The Secretariat of the WTO will be installed in this hotel, the Mont Fébé,” the PM stated. 

He added that significant improvements had been made since his previous visit.

“The rooms are, I would say, 90 per cent ready. Spaces such as the kitchens and others are also nearing completion. We are satisfied with this progress and we think that by March 15, everything will be ready. I am pleased with this visit. It reassures us,” Dion Ngute said.

The Head of Government further encouraged the teams on site to maintain momentum in order to meet the mid-March deadline. The first advance delegations from the WTO Secretariat are expected in Yaounde from 10 March 2026.

The inspection follows an earlier visit conducted on January 20, 2026. With 31 days remaining before the conference opens, Cameroon is intensifying efforts to finalise arrangements for what is expected to be one of the largest diplomatic gatherings hosted in the country. 

Around 4,000 delegates from 166 WTO member States are due in Yaounde for the four-day summit. The Mont Febe Hotel has been designated as the operational base for the WTO Secretariat throughout the conference. 

Renovation works are underway both inside and outside the building, with teams working across guest rooms, kitchens, business-to-business meeting halls, lifts, exterior façades and landscaped areas.

Authorities say preparations are being closely monitored to ensure compliance with the organisation’s logistical and security requirements, as Yaounde prepares to host thousands of participants for the global trade gathering.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3713 of Tuesday February 24, 2026