YAOUNDE, Mar 26 – Trade ministers have convened in Cameroon for a four-day meeting aimed at overhauling the World Trade Organization, as divisions among major economies cast doubt over the prospects of a unified reform plan.
The talks, holding in Yaoundé, come at a time of heightened pressure on global trade. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the U.S.–Israeli conflict involving Iran, have driven energy prices higher and raised concerns about supply chains, particularly for fertilizers, with potential knock-on effects for food security in Africa.
Business leaders warn the stakes are significant with the International Chamber of Commerce saying current conditions could evolve into one of the most severe industrial crises in decades if disruptions persist.
Ministers arrive without a clear roadmap after years of stalled negotiations and a six-year paralysis of the WTO’s dispute settlement system.
While the United States has signaled support for reform, it continues to resist a detailed framework. In contrast, the European Union, the United Kingdom and China are backing a structured plan to guide negotiations.
Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has acknowledged the difficulty of the discussions, with diplomats warning that failure to reach consensus could push countries to establish trade rules outside the WTO framework.
A key flashpoint is the future of the moratorium on customs duties for digital trade. The U.S. is pushing for a permanent extension, while India remains opposed, and other members are advocating for a temporary compromise.
Officials say failure to extend the moratorium would deal a significant blow to both the WTO and the broader global economy. Meanwhile, Taiwan will not participate in the meeting following a diplomatic dispute over its status.
