Pre-conference note — 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation: The role of the African Group in the discussions on WTO reforms
This year, the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is taking place in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Among African countries, only Kenya has hosted the event, in 2015. Africa accounts for around 27 per cent of WTO members. Of the 45 African members of the WTO, 41 were already members of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the WTO’s predecessor. The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s highest decision-making body and meets every two years. It brings together trade ministers from all 166 member states. Its remit involves decisions on trade rules, negotiations and the resolution of issues within the global trading system. Growing volatility in the trading system, including rising protectionism and geopolitical fragmentation, poses increasing challenges to the WTO. African nations and the Global South in general are becoming key players in the trading system, as they account for a larger share of the global economy. Emerging markets and developing economies have accounted for around two-thirds of global growth in recent years. With traditional alliances being put to the test, advanced economies are diversifying their trade cooperation with key groups, including the African Group and the least developed countries. Furthermore, African nations are calling for greater equity and participation in the global trading system. Africa accounts for just 2.9 per cent of global trade volumes, yet is home to 16 per cent of the world’s population. By 2050, the continent’s population will stand at around 2.5 billion.
Crisis at the World Trade Organisation (WTO)The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has faced challenging times since its creation in 1995, following the Marrakesh Agreement, which marked the conclusion of the Uruguay Round. Key issues include the paralysis of the Appellate Body, the lack of agreement on the Doha Development Round and the geopolitical fragmentation leading to the formation of trade blocs. For the Global South, including African economies, the prospect of development is crucial to addressing the unequal benefits of globalisation, promoting their integration into the global economy and reducing their dependence on raw materials. Equally important, the Appellate Body has been paralysed since 2019, as the United States of America (USA) has blocked the appointment of new judges. The Appellate Body, responsible for reviewing disputes, requires three judges to function. Furthermore, with regard to negotiations, the WTO has made limited progress since the launch of the Doha Development Round in 2001, with key deadlocks over agricultural subsidies, industrial tariffs and special and differential treatment.Consequently, plurilateral trade agreements have been expanding, reflecting a broader trend in the global trading system. On 26 February 2026, the Maputo Ministerial Conference was held, attended by trade ministers from the African Union, to reaffirm their commitments ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé. With regard to WTO reform, the countries reaffirmed their efforts to strengthen the WTO’s core functions of negotiation, monitoring and dispute settlement. Similarly, the countries reaffirmed their respect for the fundamental principles of the WTO, including non-discrimination and the most-favoured-nation principle.
Reform of the Dispute Settlement System. With regard to the reform of dispute settlement, African countries maintain a long-standing position in favour of a binding, two-tier and fully functional dispute settlement system. The mechanism was established through the Marrakesh Agreement in 1994. It serves to resolve long-standing trade disputes between states. All agreements between states include a provision allowing for consultations when a country breaches WTO rules. If no solution is found within 60 days, a panel procedure is initiated. In Yaoundé, negotiations will focus on reforming the dispute settlement mechanism, with the Global South pressing for its restoration.
NegotiationsDespite its large membership, the WTO has struggled this century to achieve meaningful multilateral outcomes. Negotiations have been largely at a standstill since the Doha Development Round, which aimed to liberalise trade and establish new rules but failed due to disagreements over agricultural subsidies, particularly in the Global North. As WTO decisions require unanimity amongst its members, reaching consensus has become increasingly rare, leading to deadlocks in a fragmented international system. Consequently, the WTO is increasingly losing its role as a forum for negotiations between states, whilst bilateral and regional trade agreements have increased in recent years. Although non-discrimination between trading partners remains a fundamental principle of the WTO, reciprocal preferential trade agreements (RPTA) between two or more partners pose a challenge to this principle. As at 13 January 2026, 380 RPTA were in force, with a further 62 in force but not yet notified to the WTO.
Development AgendaThe WTO has faced difficulties in fulfilling its development agenda, particularly with regard to African economies. Agricultural subsidies in developed economies remain a persistent point of contention, whilst developing countries are pressing for greater equity and flexibility to implement industrial policies. Consequently, many developing countries, such as Mozambique, remain on the periphery of the global economy, with limited capacity for higher value-added activities. This situation reinforces the deep-rooted disparities between Member States and exacerbates dependence on commodity exports.
Latest developments on the reformsFollowing MC14, ministers committed to pressing ahead with the reforms. Norway acted as facilitator for the reforms and presented a report summarising consultations with Member States at the General Council meeting on 10 and 11 March 2026.
The Least Developed Countries Group, the African Group, the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, the United States, the European Union, China, Paraguay, and the United Kingdom each put forward proposals. Specifically, the report presented by Norway outlined a work plan and emphasised the need to reform the WTO’s dispute settlement system. Discussions centered on areas of convergence, including development, special and differential treatment, decision-making, and issues relating to a level playing field.
Scenarios for MC14
Best-case scenario: At the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), members reached agreement on a reformed dispute settlement system. A two-tier mechanism, with calibrated adjustments, addresses concerns regarding time limits and judicial overreach. Progress is made in agriculture (specific disciplines on subsidies), fisheries (Phase II of implementation and compliance) and clearer frameworks for plurilateral agreements within the WTO architecture.
Baseline scenario: The 14th Ministerial Conference consolidates a hybrid system. The WTO remains operational, increasingly complemented by plurilateral agreements (e.g. on digital trade and investment facilitation). The reform of dispute settlement remains incomplete, relying on provisional mechanisms and selective participation.
Worst-case scenario: MC14 fails to achieve meaningful reform. The WTO’s role continues to deteriorate. Major economies turn to regional agreements, unilateral measures and strategic trade policies. Multilateral processes are marginalised. Dispute settlement continues to be dysfunctional.
Recommendations for Mozambique.
1.Continue to build coalitions to promote common objectives. To strengthen their positions, Mozambique and other developing nations should actively join coalitions such as the African Group, the G90 and sector-specific alliances. These coalitions amplify their influence, enabling them to shape WTO reforms and advocate for policies aligned with their development needs.
2. Promote policy space for sustainable development. Mozambique, together with the African Group, should prioritise reforms that are in line with its development priorities and realities in order to promote industrialisation and economic diversification. Furthermore, it should drive forward other long-standing discussions on technology transfer, with a view to improving productivity and sustainable growth, and advocate for special and differential treatment that allows for greater flexibility in the application of trade rules and in reaping the benefits of global trade.
Crisis at the World Trade Organisation (WTO)The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has faced challenging times since its creation in 1995, following the Marrakesh Agreement, which marked the conclusion of the Uruguay Round. Key issues include the paralysis of the Appellate Body, the lack of agreement on the Doha Development Round and the geopolitical fragmentation leading to the formation of trade blocs. For the Global South, including African economies, the prospect of development is crucial to addressing the unequal benefits of globalisation, promoting their integration into the global economy and reducing their dependence on raw materials. Equally important, the Appellate Body has been paralysed since 2019, as the United States of America (USA) has blocked the appointment of new judges. The Appellate Body, responsible for reviewing disputes, requires three judges to function. Furthermore, with regard to negotiations, the WTO has made limited progress since the launch of the Doha Development Round in 2001, with key deadlocks over agricultural subsidies, industrial tariffs and special and differential treatment.Consequently, plurilateral trade agreements have been expanding, reflecting a broader trend in the global trading system. On 26 February 2026, the Maputo Ministerial Conference was held, attended by trade ministers from the African Union, to reaffirm their commitments ahead of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé. With regard to WTO reform, the countries reaffirmed their efforts to strengthen the WTO’s core functions of negotiation, monitoring and dispute settlement. Similarly, the countries reaffirmed their respect for the fundamental principles of the WTO, including non-discrimination and the most-favoured-nation principle.
Reform of the Dispute Settlement System. With regard to the reform of dispute settlement, African countries maintain a long-standing position in favour of a binding, two-tier and fully functional dispute settlement system. The mechanism was established through the Marrakesh Agreement in 1994. It serves to resolve long-standing trade disputes between states. All agreements between states include a provision allowing for consultations when a country breaches WTO rules. If no solution is found within 60 days, a panel procedure is initiated. In Yaoundé, negotiations will focus on reforming the dispute settlement mechanism, with the Global South pressing for its restoration.
NegotiationsDespite its large membership, the WTO has struggled this century to achieve meaningful multilateral outcomes. Negotiations have been largely at a standstill since the Doha Development Round, which aimed to liberalise trade and establish new rules but failed due to disagreements over agricultural subsidies, particularly in the Global North. As WTO decisions require unanimity amongst its members, reaching consensus has become increasingly rare, leading to deadlocks in a fragmented international system. Consequently, the WTO is increasingly losing its role as a forum for negotiations between states, whilst bilateral and regional trade agreements have increased in recent years. Although non-discrimination between trading partners remains a fundamental principle of the WTO, reciprocal preferential trade agreements (RPTA) between two or more partners pose a challenge to this principle. As at 13 January 2026, 380 RPTA were in force, with a further 62 in force but not yet notified to the WTO.
Development AgendaThe WTO has faced difficulties in fulfilling its development agenda, particularly with regard to African economies. Agricultural subsidies in developed economies remain a persistent point of contention, whilst developing countries are pressing for greater equity and flexibility to implement industrial policies. Consequently, many developing countries, such as Mozambique, remain on the periphery of the global economy, with limited capacity for higher value-added activities. This situation reinforces the deep-rooted disparities between Member States and exacerbates dependence on commodity exports.
Latest developments on the reformsFollowing MC14, ministers committed to pressing ahead with the reforms. Norway acted as facilitator for the reforms and presented a report summarising consultations with Member States at the General Council meeting on 10 and 11 March 2026.
The Least Developed Countries Group, the African Group, the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, the United States, the European Union, China, Paraguay, and the United Kingdom each put forward proposals. Specifically, the report presented by Norway outlined a work plan and emphasised the need to reform the WTO’s dispute settlement system. Discussions centered on areas of convergence, including development, special and differential treatment, decision-making, and issues relating to a level playing field.
Scenarios for MC14
Best-case scenario: At the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), members reached agreement on a reformed dispute settlement system. A two-tier mechanism, with calibrated adjustments, addresses concerns regarding time limits and judicial overreach. Progress is made in agriculture (specific disciplines on subsidies), fisheries (Phase II of implementation and compliance) and clearer frameworks for plurilateral agreements within the WTO architecture.
Baseline scenario: The 14th Ministerial Conference consolidates a hybrid system. The WTO remains operational, increasingly complemented by plurilateral agreements (e.g. on digital trade and investment facilitation). The reform of dispute settlement remains incomplete, relying on provisional mechanisms and selective participation.
Worst-case scenario: MC14 fails to achieve meaningful reform. The WTO’s role continues to deteriorate. Major economies turn to regional agreements, unilateral measures and strategic trade policies. Multilateral processes are marginalised. Dispute settlement continues to be dysfunctional.
Recommendations for Mozambique.
1.Continue to build coalitions to promote common objectives. To strengthen their positions, Mozambique and other developing nations should actively join coalitions such as the African Group, the G90 and sector-specific alliances. These coalitions amplify their influence, enabling them to shape WTO reforms and advocate for policies aligned with their development needs.
2. Promote policy space for sustainable development. Mozambique, together with the African Group, should prioritise reforms that are in line with its development priorities and realities in order to promote industrialisation and economic diversification. Furthermore, it should drive forward other long-standing discussions on technology transfer, with a view to improving productivity and sustainable growth, and advocate for special and differential treatment that allows for greater flexibility in the application of trade rules and in reaping the benefits of global trade.