Ahead of WTO MC14: Civil society pushes fairer, more inclusive trading system for Africa.

The dialogue, held on March 25, under the theme: “Africa in the Multilateral Trading System: Choices and Challenges”, was convened by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, IISD, and the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development, AFRODAD, in partnership with the WTO. 

It brought together civil society organisations, researchers, youth representatives, and trade officials of the MC14.

WTO Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, delivered the welcome address, painting a sobering picture of the state of global trade. 

She warned that the trading system is facing what she described as the worst disruptions in its nearly 80-year history, driven by geopolitical tensions, technological change, climate pressures, and ongoing armed conflicts whose economic consequences; particularly for energy, fertiliser, and food markets will fall hardest on the world's poorest nations.

“The uncertainties swelling around us make it clear that the world needs more, not less cooperation,” she said.

Despite current disruptions, she noted that global trade has shown resilience, with goods trade growing by 4.6 percent in volume terms last year and projected to expand by 1.9 percent this year, though risks remain. 

About 72 percent of global goods trade, she added, continues to operate under WTO most-favoured-nation terms.

However, the WTO chief acknowledged that the benefits of trade have not been evenly distributed. 

“There were poor countries that didn’t benefit as much… and poor people in rich countries and poor regions that also did not benefit,” she said, while maintaining that the system has overall contributed to global prosperity.

Okonjo-Iweala emphasised the need for reforms, noting that parts of the WTO rulebook are outdated and gaps remain in addressing emerging trade areas.

She said reform would be central to discussions at the ministerial conference, with ministers expected to provide political direction on modernising the organisation.

She further highlighted opportunities in services, digital and green trade, while questioning whether adequate rules are being developed to enable countries, particularly developing economies, to fully benefit.

On development, she called for a shift away from a narrow focus on special and differential treatment towards broader strategies that promote investment and economic opportunity. She pointed at ongoing discussions on investment facilitation and e-commerce as key areas where progress could be made.

The Director General also underscored the role of civil society in shaping trade policy, noting that such groups contribute diverse perspectives and help hold institutions accountable.

“When governments, international organisations and civil society work together, we produce better outcomes for people and planet,” she said.

Enter youth trade leader

Also speaking at the event, WTO Young Trade Leader from Rwanda, Olexa Heshima, highlighted the growing role of young Africans in global trade, particularly in the digital economy.

“Youth and emerging young trade leaders should be present in the room where decisions are being made about their future,” she stated.

She noted that digital trade and emerging technologies present significant opportunities for African entrepreneurs, but warned that access, infrastructure and clear rules would be critical to ensuring equitable participation.

The dialogue forms part of a series of engagements on the sidelines of the WTO ministerial conference.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3742 of Thursday March 26, 2026