As the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) approaches, scheduled to take place in Yaounde from March 26 to 29, 2026, Cameroonian lawyer Christian Ntimbane Bomo has voiced strong concerns regarding the condition of the capital city. In a social media post, he highlighted the infrastructural challenges facing the city, fearing that it could project a negative image of Cameroon to the thousands of expected participants.
Ntimbane Bomo described Yaounde as a city where luxury is rare and sparse, characterized by dilapidated buildings, poorly maintained roads, and a polluting vehicle fleet. He lamented the lack of finishing touches on hotel infrastructures and the general state of the streets, often soiled by dust and mud. He also pointed out the difficulties in urban mobility, exacerbated by poorly maintained taxis and motorcycles.
These concerns echo the broader infrastructural challenges Yaounde faces due to its rapid population growth. The city lacks adequate mobility infrastructure and the financial resources to properly maintain existing facilities. The transportation system is considered dangerous, uncomfortable, polluting, and expensive for residents.
Despite these criticisms, the Cameroonian government is working to finalize preparations for the WTO conference. Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute has conducted an inspection visit to the hosting sites to ensure the event runs smoothly. Preparations are underway at the Yaounde Conference Center, which will host the opening ceremony and plenary sessions.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has also reaffirmed that the conference would proceed in Yaounde as planned, dispelling rumors of relocation to Geneva. She emphasized the importance of WTO reform and the need for the organization to evolve in the face of global trade challenges. The Yaounde conference is seen as an opportunity for Cameroon to highlight its African priorities in multilateral trade.
As Yaounde prepares to welcome thousands of delegates from around the world, Ntimbane Bomo's concerns underscore the need for continued investment in infrastructure and urban development to ensure a sustainable future for the Cameroonian capital. The WTO conference offers a platform to highlight these challenges and mobilize support for sustainable urban development in Yaounde and other African cities.
