WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14)

The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC14) is scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 March 2026 at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The Ministerial Conference, convening biennially, holds the highest authority within the WTO. It brings together all WTO members, comprising countries or customs unions, enabling decisions on various issues covered by the multilateral trade agreements.

In advance of MC14, discussions among WTO members have increasingly focused on institutional reform of the organisation. At a meeting on 3 February, members considered next steps for advancing reform work ahead of the ministerial conference, and plans were announced for a ‘reform month’ beginning on 5 February to discuss a post-MC14 work plan.

Key areas identified for attention include decision-making procedures, development and special and differential treatment provisions, dispute settlement reform, and other systemic issues. Members are expected to seek ministerial endorsement of a structured workplan at MC14, and preparatory breakout sessions on reform are included in the conference roadmap. These efforts reflect the central role that reform is anticipated to play in Yaoundé and the intention to initiate high-level political exchanges among ministers on this topic during the conference.

The event will also feature side events on 25 March: the MC14 Business Forum, the MC14 Civil Society Dialogue entitled ‘Africa in the multilateral trading system: Choices and challenges’, and a session of the Parliamentary Conference.

The Conference will be chaired by Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, Cameroon’s Minister of Trade.