Cameroon has reiterated its call for the inclusion of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement into the legal framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This appeal was made during meetings between the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, and American and Canadian diplomats on February 18, 2026.
The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), scheduled from March 26 to 29, 2026, in Yaoundé, will focus on the reform of the WTO. Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana emphasized that this reform is a priority for the majority of member countries, recalling that the original multilateralism aimed to promote the development of states through trade.
The Minister lamented a growing imbalance, where the promotion of trade has overshadowed the development dimension of states. During his meeting with H.E. John G. Robinson, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon, he stressed the importance of integrating the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement and requested the support of the American delegation on the issue of Special and Differential Treatment.
In response, the American diplomat assured that the United States will support Cameroon in ensuring the success of MC14. Washington considers the reform of the WTO and e-commerce as essential priorities. The U.S. delegation to Yaoundé will be led by H.E. Ambassador Jamieson Greer and will include approximately fifty representatives from the State Department, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Agriculture. This strong mobilization underscores the importance given to the conference and to Cameroon by the American government.
In parallel, during a meeting with H.E. Marie-Claude Harvey, High Commissioner of Canada to Cameroon, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana raised the issue of the Multi-party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), a Canadian initiative to overcome the paralysis of the Appellate Body. He also requested Canada's support for the integration of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. The High Commissioner assured that Canada is committed to contributing to the success of the Yaoundé conference, emphasizing the importance of current multilateral issues. A Canadian delegation of about fifteen people is expected at MC14.
Both delegations confirmed that accommodation arrangements were already finalized, with reservations made in hotels in the Cameroonian capital.
MC14 in Yaoundé represents a crucial opportunity to advance the reform of the WTO and reaffirm the importance of multilateralism in global trade.
